MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Diya TV) — Indian American executive Ike Anand has been appointed president and chief executive officer of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness arm of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This announcement follows a months-long global search after longtime CEO Richard C. Shadyac Jr. retired.
Anand has served as interim CEO since March and as chief operating officer since 2020. He officially becomes the seventh CEO in ALSAC’s 68-year history, with his appointment effective immediately.
ALSAC, which stands for the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, is the exclusive fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. Under Anand’s leadership, the organization plans to continue expanding its global reach and strengthening its mission to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other deadly diseases.
Dr. Frederick M. Azar, chair of the ALSAC Board of Directors, praised Anand’s leadership. “We are delighted Ike has officially accepted the role of CEO,” Azar said. “He has shown visionary leadership and a deep commitment to the St. Jude mission. His passion has helped shape our strategic direction for the future.”
Anand takes on this role during a crucial time. St. Jude is currently implementing a six-year, $12.9 billion strategic plan that started in 2022. This is the largest initiative in the hospital’s history. The plan aims to expand treatments, develop cures, and reach more children worldwide.
Marlo Thomas, national outreach director for St. Jude and daughter of founder Danny Thomas, also welcomed Anand’s appointment. “When my father founded St. Jude with a dream that no child should die in the dawn of life, he meant no child anywhere,” she said. “Ike Anand is the perfect person to carry that dream forward. His heart, vision, and understanding of our mission will lead us into the future.”
Anand has a strong mix of corporate and nonprofit experience. Before joining ALSAC, he worked at Expedia Group for nearly 15 years. There, he served as global vice president of strategy and led major collaborative efforts. His work focused on investment opportunities, global strategy, and marketing innovation.
At ALSAC, Anand has driven a major digital transformation. He improved the organization’s data and technology systems. He also revised ALSAC’s strategic plan to boost efficiency and ensure donor funds are used effectively.
Dr. James R. Downing, president and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, spoke highly of Anand. “His strategic vision and collaborative spirit have made a profound impact on our mission,” Downing said. “I’ve enjoyed working closely with him. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to advance our goals.”
Judy Habib, chair of the St. Jude Board of Governors, called Anand’s appointment “an important new chapter.” She noted that his innovative mindset and strong commitment to the mission will help expand the hospital’s global work and speed up research into childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Anand expressed his gratitude and optimism for the road ahead. “I am deeply honored to be chosen to lead such a remarkable organization,” he said. “The mission of St. Jude holds a special place in my heart. Together with the incredible teams at ALSAC and St. Jude, we will build on our strong foundation and launch new efforts to make an even greater impact around the world.”
As he takes the helm, Anand remains focused on one mission: to provide St. Jude with the resources needed to find cures and save children everywhere.
