US-based cancer research and treatment organisation City of Hope has announced the appointment of Simon Nazarian as its new executive vice president (EVP) and chief digital and technology officer.
At City of Hope, Nazarian will be responsible for leading the institution's technology strategy, focusing on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and other analytics initiatives.
Reporting directly to City of Hope CEO Robert Stone, Nazarian brings more than 25 years of experience to the role.
His background includes developing innovative strategies and spearheading significant transformational projects for various leading companies.
Nazarian said: “Its mission and deep focus on patients personally resonate with me. I am looking forward to partnering with cancer experts and dedicated teams across our national system of care to apply advanced technologies and insights that will create an even more seamless experience for our patients and care teams.”
His previous position was as chief information officer at Optum Health-Care Delivery, where he served for four years.
Additionally, Nazarian's expertise spans multiple industries, having worked with companies such as Kaiser Permanente, McKinsey and Company, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
In his new capacity at City of Hope, his efforts will be geared towards enabling discoveries in cancer research and improving the experiences of patients and care teams.
City of Hope distinguished chair CEO Stone, Helen and Morgan Chu said: “Technology is key to unlocking breakthroughs and solutions to some of the biggest challenges in cancer and advancing the care we deliver to our patients.
“I’m so pleased to welcome Simon to City of Hope to propel our mission forward. His deep experience will help our teams harness the power of technological innovation to develop new solutions and accelerate our ability to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes.”
Established in 1913, City of Hope has a vast national system including its main campus in Los Angeles, a new cancer centre in Orange County, California, a clinical care network throughout Southern California, and treatment and outpatient facilities in Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix areas.
Additionally, its affiliated group encompasses the Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope.
