Robert Stone leads City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. A seasoned health care executive, he has served in a number of strategic decision-making roles since he joined City of Hope in 1996, culminating with his appointment as president in 2012, CEO in 2014, and as the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair in 2021.
Stone’s strategic acumen, empathy and visionary leadership have driven City of Hope’s rapid evolution. As an independent institution dedicated to advancing the fight against cancer and diabetes, City of Hope is accelerating opportunities for high-impact discovery and ensuring that patients around the world have access to the most advanced therapies. City of Hope is closing gaps in access to advanced care — leading to improved outcomes and saving more lives.
Stone has spearheaded City of Hope’s transformation from a regional leader into a nationally prominent institution known for innovation and excellence in cancer care. By expanding its footprint in California, Georgia, Illinois, and Arizona, City of Hope provided care to more than 157,000 patients in 2024 — broadening access to the most advanced treatments, clinical trials and its renowned bone marrow transplant and CAR T programs. Today, City of Hope serves five major metropolitan areas with a workforce of 14,000 employees, including 800 clinicians and 1,000 scientists and researchers.
Recognized for its exceptional patient outcomes and pioneering research, City of Hope earned the highest possible rating from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), placing it among the top tier of the nation’s 57 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers. It has also ranked among the top ten “Best Hospitals” for cancer by U.S. News & World Report for four consecutive years.
Stone was named one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders by Modern Healthcare in 2024. He was also honored as Hospital CEO of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2023 and recognized among its Top 500 Business Leaders from 2018 to 2023. In 2017, he was elected to the Healthcare Leadership Council, a national policy advocacy organization.
