Mr Peter Varghese, AO

Peter Varghese AO is Chancellor of The University of Queensland (UQ). Prior to this appointment, he served as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2012-2016). Previous senior appointments included High Commissioner to India (2009-2012), High Commissioner to Malaysia (2000-2002), Director-General Office of National Assessments (2004-2009), and Senior Advisor (International) to the Prime Minister (2003-2004). Mr Varghese was the author of the India Economic Strategy to 2035 commissioned by the Australian Prime Minister submitted in July 2018.

Mr Varghese was educated at UQ, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and a University Medal in history in 1978. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from UQ in 2013.

Mr Varghese sits on the boards of CARE Australia and North Queensland Airports. He is also on the international governing board of the Rajaratnum School of International Studies in Singapore.