Former Utah governor and erstwhile presidential candidate Jon M. Huntsman will succeed his father, Jon Sr., as chairman of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, which supports the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Huntsman’s father, one of Utah’s most successful entrepreneurs and generous philanthropists, founded the institute in 1995 to advance clinical research and treat patients.

"Jon comes to the foundation with a wealth of leadership experience," said a news release quoting the elder Huntsman, who retains the title chairman emeritus. "His unparalleled international reputation and experience will greatly enhance the life-saving work in which the foundation is engaged."

The younger Huntsman has served as the foundation’s first chief executive, a position now held by his brother David, a U. trustee.

Huntsman was twice elected governor of Utah but left his second term early to serve as ambassador to China in 2009, then left that post to seek the Republican nomination for president. He withdrew from the race last week prior to the South Carolina primary after his campaign failed to gain traction with Republican voters.

Mary Beckerle, HCI director and CEO, said she is "thrilled that the legacy of leadership, passion and commitment to the greatest human health challenge of our time will continue with the appointment of Jon M. Huntsman Jr. HCI is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the entire Intermountain West."