Koudjo Oni appointed President and Chief Executive Officer
Christian Paupe, Chair of the Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Koudjo Oni as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Research Society (CRS), effective December 3, 2026. The appointment follows the announcement that Manon Pepin will retire after seven years as President and CEO of the CRS.
A Transition Defined by Continuity and Ambition
This appointment reflects the CRS’s commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition while building on its growth. It also marks a continued commitment to strengthening the CRS’s impact within Canada’s cancer research ecosystem and accelerating scientific discoveries that will help outsmart cancer.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Koudjo Oni, currently the CRS’s Director of Revenue Development. His in-depth knowledge of our organization, strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to our mission make him ideally suited to lead the CRS into its next phase of growth,” said Christian Paupe.
Advancing Our Mission, Building the Future
“I am honored by the confidence the Board of Directors has placed in me. I take on this new role with enthusiasm and determination. Canada is home to exceptional scientific talent and world-class research expertise. The CRS plays an essential role in supporting this talent, advancing groundbreaking research, and turning scientific discoveries into meaningful progress for people affected by cancer. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Manon Pepin for her leadership and remarkable contribution to the growth of the CRS over the past seven years. I look forward to building on the CRS’s strong foundations and bringing together our teams, partners, donors, and the scientific community around a shared ambition: to accelerate discoveries and maximize their impact. Because behind every scientific breakthrough, there is hope,” said Koudjo Oni.
A Lasting Legacy
“Under Manon Pepin’s leadership, the CRS has undergone a period of unprecedented growth. Her strategic vision, unwavering commitment, and ability to bring people together have helped our organization grow and gain new momentum. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our deep gratitude for her seven years of leadership and the legacy she leaves behind,” said Christian Paupe.
“At the end of my tenure at the CRS, my greatest source of pride is having worked alongside an exceptional team to provide researchers with greater resources to advance the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer through research. I am delighted to pass the torch to Koudjo Oni. I know his commitment to our mission, his leadership, and his determination will help carry the CRS forward and build on the progress we have made,” concluded Manon Pepin.
About the Cancer Research Society
For over 80 years, the Cancer Research Society (CRS) has stood out through strong scientific expertise, unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep conviction: accelerating discoveries, accelerating impact. Since its creation, CRS has supported thousands of researchers who have made important advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of all types of cancer.