City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) is transforming cancer care from the ground up, placing cities at the centre of health system strengthening. Launched by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) at the 2017 World Economic Forum and becoming a standalone foundation in 2019, C/Can now works in 16 cities across low-to-middle income countries across the globe. The C/Can mission is clear: where you live and who you are shouldn’t determine the quality of cancer care you receive.
As a fast-growing organisation with a bold vision, C/Can needed to build a world-class, globally distributed leadership team; leaders with both deep technical expertise and exceptional communication skills to act as compelling advocates for our mission. These individuals needed to navigate complex local contexts, foster multi-sector collaboration, and inspire diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to community leaders. The challenge was to find leaders who could champion health equity, amplify C/Can’s voice on the global stage, and guide city-led solutions that would have measurable, scalable impact.
C/Can turned to Upsall International’s Shortlist Search Service, our fastest and most accessible search offering. Honed over 20 years, this approach enables us to deliver a pre-qualified, insight-rich candidate longlist with precision and speed.
Our process began with a deep discovery phase to fully understand C/Can’s unique organisational culture, strategic goals, and leadership needs. We worked closely with the team to define the ideal profiles for each role, factoring in their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across global geographies.
We then crafted a tailored marketing and outreach strategy, leveraging our extensive international networks to ensure broad visibility and appeal. In parallel, we proactively sourced and screened candidates, applying rigorous filters to assess fit, experience, and alignment with C/Can’s mission.
Over the past 6 years, Upsall International has supported C/Can in recruiting 8 critical leadership roles, including the CEO, Regional Director Asia, and senior leaders in marketing, communications, and fundraising. Each placement was carefully designed to bring fresh thinking and proven expertise, positioning the organisation as an innovative, trusted, and locally relevant leader in the fight against cancer.
With these leaders in place, C/Can has strengthened its operational capacity and deepened its impact in 16 cities, supporting the development of locally driven solutions that are influencing national policy and improving access to quality cancer care for millions. These appointments have helped cement C/Can’s reputation as a trusted, innovative partner in global health, proving that local action drives global change.
Upsall International
C/ Caleruega 81, 7th floor,
28033, Madrid, Spain
By Email, please click here