An interim chief executive of Ambulance Victoria has been appointed while the search ramps up for a permanent CEO.

Professor Shelley Dolan, CEO of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, will step into the role on November 9 and is expected to return to the cancer centre in early 2023.

Prof Dolan has worked in health leadership for more than 25 years, and was previously the acting CEO of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Ambulance Victoria Chair Shelly Park said she had great confidence in Prof Dolan's leadership skills.

"Shelley will be an inspiring leader as she steps in to drive the important cultural and operational strategic reforms currently under way at Ambulance Victoria, while the Board progresses the search for a new CEO" Ms Park said in a statement on Monday.

Former Ambulance Victoria CEO Tony Walker unexpectedly left the role last week, two months earlier than planned.

Prof Walker is in remission after taking five months' leave this year for cancer treatment and finished up after 37 years with the service.

He previously denied he was pressured to resign after the service was beset by issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.