Globally-renowned health expert Professor Anna Peeters has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).
Bringing decades of experience in public health and health promotion to the role, Professor Peeters AM PhD is the Director of the Institute for Health Transformation at Deakin University, and is a Professor in Epidemiology and Equity in Public Health.
A leader in public health research, Professor Peeters has been internationally recognised for her work toward equitable health outcomes. She established the first International Centre of Excellence in healthier food retail environments, RE-FRESH and received a Churchill Award in 2014 for her innovative work in equity and population prevention.
She holds a prestigious Skou Professorship at Aarhus University in Denmark in recognition of her population health expertise.
“I look forward to applying my extensive track record in delivering transformative outcomes through collaborative leadership to achieve the goals set out in VicHealth’s exciting 10-year strategy,” said Professor Peeters.
“I am particularly proud of how many committed public health colleagues I have been able to support to deliver improved health outcomes and I look forward to working with Victorians towards a healthier, fairer future for everyone.”
Professor Peeters was educated in Victoria, and completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and PhD at the University of Melbourne.
She’s had a long-standing association with VicHealth, including in her early career as a VicHealth Research Fellow in 2003. She has served on the VicHealth Board for over five years, nominated by the Cancer Council.
“Professor Anna Peeters is an exceptional public health expert who has spent her career working towards a healthier and fairer world,” said Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas.
“We are delighted that Professor Peeters is joining VicHealth as CEO and I look forward to working with her to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.”
VicHealth Board Chair Nicola Roxon described Professor Peeters as the “perfect fit for VicHealth in 2025”.
“Her career has been committed to improving population health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on equity and evidence-based practices.”
“She is the right person to lead the dedicated VicHealth team and work with a committed sector to deliver our 10-year strategy aimed at delivering effective systemic change to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorians,” said Roxon.
Professor Peeters will begin her new role as VicHealth CEO in the coming months.