The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) has appointed Vishakha K. Kumar as its new executive director and chief executive officer.
Kumar will work with the society's council and staff to oversee its strategic priorities and support its international membership.
ISTH president Wolfram Ruf said Kumar's leadership experience and understanding of international scientific associations made her well suited to lead the organisation through its next phase of development.
Kumar was selected following an international executive search process and succeeds Thomas Reiser, who led the organisation for more than a decade. During the leadership transition, Louise St. Germain, the society's director of membership, marketing and external relations, served as interim executive director.
Before joining the ISTH, Kumar was vice-president of the department of research and quality at the Society of Critical Care Medicine. She earned her medical degree from Ryazan State Medical University in Russia and later completed an MBA at the University of Findlay in the United States.
Commenting on her appointment, Kumar said she was looking forward to working with the society's international community to support research, education and collaboration in thrombosis and haemostasis.
The appointment follows the conclusion of the ISTH 2026 Congress in Paris. The society said Kumar will help advance its work in improving the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic and bleeding disorders.
"The ISTH has
built an outstanding reputation for advancing research and improving outcomes
for patients worldwide," said Kumar. "I look forward to building on that strong foundation to
expand our global reach and create new opportunities to support innovation and
education.”
