CEO - Todd Harper AM

Todd Harper is a leader in public health with over 30 years of experience in cancer prevention, research, support, and advocacy working. During this time Todd has dedicated his career to working for Cancer Council Victoria, Quit Victoria, VicHealth and the Tasmanian AIDS Council. 

As Executive Director of Quit Victoria from 1999 to 2007, Todd helped drive tobacco advertising and labelling law reforms, smoke-free laws and bans on tobacco display, as well as the design, implementation and evaluation of award-winning media campaigns. 

Since 2011, Todd has served as the CEO of Cancer Council Victoria, a world leading independent charity established in 1936 to combat cancer through prevention, support, research, and advocacy initiatives. 

Todd has been instrumental in driving transformative public health campaigns, including efforts to reduce the harms of tobacco and vaping, junk food, solariums, HIV/AIDS, cancer, discrimination and violence. He has also championed bowel screening, cervical cancer elimination, and enhanced supportive care for cancer patients.  

Under Todd’s leadership, Cancer Council Victoria is the largest non-government provider of cancer research funding in Victoria and is globally recognised for its cancer data collection via the Victorian Cancer Registry, the world's timeliest cancer registry. 

Notably, Todd spearheaded the creation of the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer in 2011, a world-first initiative leveraging legal expertise to support cancer prevention and patient protection worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 

Todd has held significant global roles, including President and Director of the Geneva-based Non-Communicable Disease Alliance. In 2024, he was elected Director of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).  

Todd’s contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including an AM in the Order of Australia for his substantial service to cancer support and public health, and an Honorary Doctorate from Deakin University for his innovative advocacy in public health. 

With a Bachelor of Economics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion, and a Master of Health Economics, Todd is passionate about using his expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of Victorians and communities worldwide.