Novocure Announces Leadership Change, Promotes Veteran Executive to CEO Role

Novocure, the Swiss-based innovator in cancer treatment technology, has announced a significant leadership transition. Frank Leonard, a 15-year company veteran, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This move comes as part of a sudden change in the company's top leadership, marking a pivotal moment for the firm known for its groundbreaking Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy.

Leadership Transition and Company Strategy

Frank Leonard's promotion to CEO follows the unexpected departure of Ashley Cordova, who held the position for less than a year. Cordova, formerly the company's Chief Financial Officer, had assumed the role of CEO in January 2025. According to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, Cordova resigned on November 24, 2025, "by mutual agreement" with the company.

Leonard brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been instrumental in Novocure's growth from its early stages. His tenure includes overseeing the company's first commercial launch and establishing key departments such as finance, reimbursement, and business development. Leonard's background in innovation and product development positions him well to lead Novocure through its next phase of growth.

William Doyle, Novocure's Executive Chairman, expressed confidence in the new appointment, stating, "Frank embodies Novocure's core values and has an unwavering commitment to our patient-forward mission. He is the ideal person to lead our organization through the exciting, transformative milestones anticipated in the years ahead."

Advancements in Cancer Treatment Technology

Novocure's flagship technology, TTFields, has shown promising results in recent clinical trials. The company's approach utilizes wearable devices that deliver high-frequency electric fields to interfere with cancer cell division, potentially enhancing the body's immune response against tumors.

In a significant development last December, Novocure's TTFields therapy demonstrated success in a phase 3 clinical study focusing on pancreatic tumors. The trial revealed improved overall survival rates when the therapy was incorporated into first-line treatment regimens for patients with inoperable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer known for its low survival rates.

The company's Optune therapies, which harness TTFields technology, have already received FDA approval for the treatment of glioblastoma and mesothelioma. These approvals, coupled with the recent pancreatic cancer trial results, underscore the potential of Novocure's innovative approach in addressing some of the most challenging forms of cancer.

As Novocure continues to advance its research and expand its treatment applications, the appointment of Frank Leonard as CEO signals the company's commitment to building on its technological foundation and pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment innovation.