Leadership team
Our leadership team brings together cross-sector experience
Our leadership team combines experience from commercial, government and charity sectors to set our direction and lead our work to improve heart health for all people across Australia.
David Anderson
Interim CEO
David Anderson brings more than 30 years’ experience in media and digital transformation. As former Managing Director of the ABC, he led the shift to a modern digital organisation, expanded access for regional communities, and championed trusted, accessible information for the public. Read more.
.jpg?format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Professor Derek Chew
Chief Scientific and Medical Officer
Professor Derek Chew leads the Heart Foundation’s scientific, clinical evidence and research agenda. He is an eminent Australian cardiologist and cardiovascular health systems researcher, with a multi-decade career spanning frontline clinical care, large-scale research and senior leadership roles across hospitals, universities, research institutes and government. Read more.
Professor Garry Jennings AO
Chief Medical Advisor
Professor Garry Jennings, AO is the Heart Foundation’s Chief Medical Advisor with extensive leadership experience including roles as Director of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Executive Director of Sydney Health Partners, interim CEO of the Heart Foundation, and Director of Cardiology at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne. Read more.
Professor Sandra Eades
Chief Medical Advisor - First Nations Health
Professor Sandra Eades (BMed, PhD, FAHMS) is Associate Dean Indigenous and Rowden White Chair in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Sandra is a Noongar woman from Mount Barker, WA, and is a recognised as a leader in Aboriginal health. Read more.
.jpg?format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Virginie Lafougere
Chief Financial Officer
Virginie has over 20 years’ experience in a range of senior finance roles in listed and for-purpose organisations across Europe and Australia. Read more.
Dr Marc Belej
Chief Technology Officer
Dr Marc Belej leads the Heart Foundation’s technology strategy, ensuring its systems, platforms and people are equipped to deliver on its mission. Read more.
Chris Miers
General Counsel & Company Secretary
Christopher has over 20 years’ experience in a range of senior legal and business executive management roles at a number of organisations. Read more.
Anna Calkin
National Manager Research
Anna brings extensive experience in cardiovascular research in Australia and internationally, with a deep understanding of the research landscape and the key issues affecting cardiovascular health. Read more.
Dr Marie Ludlow
National Manager Regional Affairs
Dr Marie Ludlow is a senior health executive with over 30 years’ experience across public health, research and the not-for-profit sector, with deep expertise in strategic leadership, governance and national program delivery. Read more.
Le Smith
National Manager Health & Wellbeing
Le is passionate about health equity, social justice and human rights, bringing strong experience and expertise in primary health care, health equity, cross cultural health, commissioning, and governance. Read more.
Peter Thomas
National Manager, Public & Local Affairs
Peter is passionate about improving health outcomes for all Australians through advocating for positive policy changes and delivering better services to the people who need them. Read more.
Moana Wood
National Manager Revenue
Moana is an experienced fundraising and revenue leader with a background spanning fundraising, marketing and operations in the not-for-profit sector. She has a strong track record of growing income, strengthening brand awareness and increasing social impact. Read more.
You might also be interested in...
Health for Every Heart
The Heart Foundation has a 25-year vision for heart health in Australia
Our Board
The role of the Board is to provide strategic oversight and direction for the Heart Foundation’s activities and ensure that those organisational activities are directed towards achieving its vision of an Australia free of heart disease and its mission to prevent heart disease and improve the heart health and quality of life of all Australians through our work in prevention, support and care and research.
Working with us
Discover how you can work or volunteer with the Heart Foundation and help improve heart health outcomes across Australia.