The head of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has announced her plans to step down, as her successor has been appointed to lead the world-renowned cancer center.

Laurie Glimcher will step down as president and CEO on Oct. 1, and she will assume the title of president emerita.

Glimcher has also served as director of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, and is the Richard and Susan Smith professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

The seventh president of Dana-Farber and the first woman to lead the organization in its 77-year history, Glimcher began her tenure in October 2016. Dana-Farber is credited for playing a critical role in the development of 51% of all cancer drugs approved by the FDA over the past five years.

“Eight years ago, I began this journey with a deep appreciation for the extraordinary research that emanated from Dana-Farber since its earliest days and the clinical excellence that Dana-Farber provides patients and families,” said Glimcher. “And now, as I reflect on my tenure, I am intensely proud of what we have achieved in providing world class care for our patients, leading in innovation, and discovering new treatments and cures.”

Under Glimcher’s leadership, the Institute’s regional locations grew from four to seven, there was a 51% growth in patient volume and a 62% increase in grant and industry-funded research support, totaling $450 million in FY23.

Last year, she announced Dana-Farber’s proposal to build a new 300-bed inpatient hospital dedicated to adult patients with cancer and a new collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Glimcher will remain at Dana-Farber, where she will continue both her research and her involvement in mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists, along with other special projects.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Ebert, chair of the Department of Medical Oncology, has been named as the next president and CEO of Dana-Farber.

“I’m extraordinarily honored to be selected as the next president and CEO of Dana-Farber and to build on the exceptional leadership and accomplishments of Laurie Glimcher,” said Ebert. “Dana-Farber is truly a remarkable organization and a global leader in innovation, and in caring and advocating for cancer patients. Together with our executive leadership team, I will continue to advance a patient-first model as we open this new chapter.”