Harpal became Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK on Monday 2 April 2007

Harpul gained a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge and an MBA as a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School. After a brief period working as a research scientist with the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Harpal worked for four years in the London office of McKinsey and Co, specialising in advising pharmaceutical clients on strategic issues. He then became CEO of The Papworth Trust, which focuses on pioneering rehabilitation and housing services for people with acquired and congenital disabilities.

Harpal left Papworth in 1997 to become founding CEO of Nexan Group, a venture capital-backed medical device company, creating and marketing novel cardio-respiratory monitoring technologies to reduce premature mortality in patients with congestive heart failure.

Harpal joined Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) in October 2002 to effect the merger of the former technology transfer companies of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and Cancer Research Campaign and to create a new strategy and vision for the combined company.

He became Chief Operating Officer of Cancer Research UK in July 2004, responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operational management of the charity. Harpal is a Board Member of the National Cancer Research Institute and Chairman of the Gray Cancer Research Trust.