Dame Stella Rimington

Dame Stella Rimington, former Chair of the ICR, dies aged 90

06/08/25

Dame Stella Rimington, who served as Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, from 1997 to 2005, died on 3 August 2025.

Dame Stella took up the role of Chair following a distinguished career in public service, including her historic appointment as the first woman to be Director General of MI5. During her time as Chair, Dame Stella helped guide the organisation through a period of significant scientific progress and institutional development.

As Chair, she recruited Professor Peter Rigby as Chief Executive of the ICR, supported the establishment of the UK’s first dedicated male cancer research centre on the ICR’s Sutton campus, and oversaw the refurbishment of the ICR’s laboratories on Fulham Road in Chelsea, which included the establishment of the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre.

Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of the ICR, said:

"Dame Stella Rimington was a thoughtful and principled leader who brought great insight and care to her role as Chair of our Board of Trustees. She was deeply committed to our work and to the people behind it. Her contribution to the ICR was significant, and she will be greatly missed. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends."

Picture credit: annie_c_2 (Flickr)

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