Dr. Steven O’Day, a renowned researcher in immune-oncology, has been named executive director of the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, the hospital announced Feb. 1.

O’Day, known for his research in treating melanoma, was also named research director for the Los Angeles area for the Providence Health & Services Southern California health care system.

“Dr. O’Day is world-renowned in the field of medical oncology expanding the field of immune-oncology across tumor types, and with his leadership capabilities he is the ideal person to lead the cancer and research efforts on our campus and in our region,” said Marcel Loh, chief executive of Providence Saint John’s Health Center, in a statement.

O’Day, a professor of medical oncology and director of clinical research and immune-oncology, has worked at the institute since 1994.

The principal investigator for more than 200 clinical trials is also co-director of its Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology Research Center.

Health business reporter Dana Bartholomew can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @_DanaBart.