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Prof. Anna Peeters AM, PhD
CEO - VicHealth
Professional Bio
Professor Anna Peeters AM, PhD, is a globally recognised public health expert and a dedicated advocate for equitable health outcomes. Appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) in 2025, Professor Peeters brings decades of experience in epidemiology, health equity, and health system transformation.
Prior to joining VicHealth, Professor Peeters was the Director of the Institute for Health Transformation at Deakin University and a Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology and Equity in Public Health. When the Deakin Council created the Institute for Health Transformation in 2019, the role of Director came up, and she felt it aligned perfectly with her interest in the strategic use of research and evidence to inform equitable health outcomes. She stepped into the role and led groundbreaking partnership research in public health and policy, with a particular focus on addressing health inequities and improving population health outcomes. Her leadership extends across multiple prestigious roles, including serving on the VicHealth Board for over five years, nominated by the Cancer Council, and as a Board Member of Western Health.
Throughout her career, Professor Peeters has been at the forefront of innovative health initiatives. She established the first International Centre of Excellence in healthier food retail environments, REFRESH, and has been instrumental in leading research to inform equitable and effective public health policies. Her work has been recognised internationally, including receiving a Churchill Fellowship in 2014 and holding a Skou Professorship at Aarhus University in Denmark.
Professor Peeters' research has shaped national and global public health strategies, particularly in nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and equitable healthcare delivery. She has played a pivotal role in projects such as the NHMRC-funded RE-FRESH Centre and the MRFF-funded DELIVER project, both focused on driving sustainable improvements in public health through evidence-based interventions.
Having commenced her academic journey in Victoria, Professor Peeters completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) and PhD at the University of Melbourne. She has remained deeply committed to the health and wellbeing of all Victorians, working closely with policymakers, practitioners, and communities to implement lasting, systemic change.
As CEO of VicHealth, Professor Peeters is committed to advancing the organisation’s ambitious 10- year strategy, championing equity, collaboration, and evidence-based health promotion to ensure all Victorians have the opportunity to lead healthier lives.
Prior to joining VicHealth, Professor Peeters was the Director of the Institute for Health Transformation at Deakin University and a Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology and Equity in Public Health. When the Deakin Council created the Institute for Health Transformation in 2019, the role of Director came up, and she felt it aligned perfectly with her interest in the strategic use of research and evidence to inform equitable health outcomes. She stepped into the role and led groundbreaking partnership research in public health and policy, with a particular focus on addressing health inequities and improving population health outcomes. Her leadership extends across multiple prestigious roles, including serving on the VicHealth Board for over five years, nominated by the Cancer Council, and as a Board Member of Western Health.
Throughout her career, Professor Peeters has been at the forefront of innovative health initiatives. She established the first International Centre of Excellence in healthier food retail environments, REFRESH, and has been instrumental in leading research to inform equitable and effective public health policies. Her work has been recognised internationally, including receiving a Churchill Fellowship in 2014 and holding a Skou Professorship at Aarhus University in Denmark.
Professor Peeters' research has shaped national and global public health strategies, particularly in nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and equitable healthcare delivery. She has played a pivotal role in projects such as the NHMRC-funded RE-FRESH Centre and the MRFF-funded DELIVER project, both focused on driving sustainable improvements in public health through evidence-based interventions.
Having commenced her academic journey in Victoria, Professor Peeters completed her Bachelor of Science (Honours) and PhD at the University of Melbourne. She has remained deeply committed to the health and wellbeing of all Victorians, working closely with policymakers, practitioners, and communities to implement lasting, systemic change.
As CEO of VicHealth, Professor Peeters is committed to advancing the organisation’s ambitious 10- year strategy, championing equity, collaboration, and evidence-based health promotion to ensure all Victorians have the opportunity to lead healthier lives.