Ann Aerts

Ann Aerts is the Head of the Novartis Foundation, where she leads efforts to transform the health of urban populations through data, digital technology, and AI.
With a career defined by innovation and partnerships, she works to shift health systems from reactive care to proactive, predictive, and ultimately preventive approaches, helping build true health systems that keep people healthy.
A medical doctor by training, Ann brings deep expertise in population health and technology innovation. She holds a Degree in Medicine and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Leuven, as well as a Degree in Tropical Medicine from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp.
Known for pioneering multisector partnerships and scalable digital and AI-driven solutions, Ann is passionate about leveraging technology to close health disparities worldwide. She chairs the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development Working Group on Digital and AI in Health and serves on the Boards of the Philips Foundation and the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp.
Before leading the Novartis Foundation, Ann held senior positions at Novartis Pharma, including Franchise Medical Director Critical Care in Basel and Therapeutic Area Head for Cardiovascular and Metabolism in Belgium. Earlier in her career, she led the Lung and Tuberculosis Association in Belgium and was Head of Health Services at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva, after having served with ICRC as a health coordinator in several countries.
Across her career, she has championed equitable, data and technology driven solutions that help build healthier, more resilient communities around the world.