Financial trailblazer Alastair Lukies CBE to lead new development board

We’re delighted to announce Alastair Lukies CBE as the Chair of our new Development Board. 

A highly respected entrepreneur, Alastair will front a team of strategic leaders to help us drive a revolution in early diagnosis – unlocking research to discover better treatments and winning funding for support services, so we can be there for more men and their loved ones. 

An influential tech expert and former government advisor

A trailblazer and influential force in the financial technology sector, Alastair founded the mobile banking company Monitise in 2003. He later led its demerger from Morse and its listing on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market. During his tenure as CEO, Monitise grew to a total market value of $2 billion and employed 1,700 staff across four continents.  

Alastair is currently the Chief Engagement Officer and Global Advisory Board Chairman for Endava – one of the UK’s leading business transformation and AI integration groups – as well as Founder and Chair of Pollinate International and Chairman of the Fintech Alliance.  

Previously, he was a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Council and was appointed as a Business Ambassador by David Cameron in 2014. 

Alastair is joining us at a critical time. Not only is prostate cancer the most common cancer in men, it’s also now the most common cancer in England.

In fact, the number of diagnoses for prostate cancer has surpassed those of breast cancer for two years in a row – increasing by 25 per cent between 2019 and 2023. But despite this, prostate cancer remains the only major cancer without a screening programme.  

“It’s an honour and a privilege to join Prostate Cancer UK as Chair of the Development Board,” said Alastair.  

“From prostate cancer becoming the most common cancer in England to a spate of high-profile diagnoses this year alone, it’s shown the urgent need for bold, innovative action on one of the biggest health risks men face.  

“I’m committed to helping unlock the funding and partnerships needed to fuel life-changing research, speed up early diagnosis, and ensure no man faces this disease without support. This is a moment for us to be ambitious – because men’s lives are on the line.” 

Unlocking a better future for our dads, brothers, grandads and mates

Our Chief Executive, Laura Kerby, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Alastair to this exciting new role at Prostate Cancer UK and look forward to working together. His passion for making a lasting impact for men and those who love them, combined with his strategic insight, extensive networks and business acumen, make him an outstanding addition to our team at a crucial time in our charity’s history. 

“1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. And the earlier it’s found, the easier it is to treat. Despite this, prostate cancer still has no national screening programme and GPs remain bound by outdated NHS guidance that fails men at highest risk. We’re calling for urgent change to create a fairer and more equitable system.  

“Our Development Board, led by Alastair, will be critical in unlocking a better future for our dads, brothers, grandads and mates. It will enable us to fund more pioneering research, like our £42 million TRANSFORM trial, deliver more personalised support to men and their families, and drive a step-change in early diagnosis that will save more men’s lives. We embrace facing the challenges ahead and look forward to making a positive impact for generations to come.” 

Check your risk of prostate cancer in 30 seconds

The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. But early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to know your risk, and what you can do about it. Check your risk in 30 seconds with our online Risk Checker.  

CHECK MY RISK