Petter Bjornstad to Lead Pennington Biomedical Research Center
The Louisiana facility will welcome its new executive director on June 30, 2027.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People
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LSU has appointed Petter Bjornstad to serve as the executive director of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge. He is scheduled to officially begin his new role on June 30, 2027.
Why it matters
The appointment addresses critical public health needs in Louisiana, which carries a significant burden of obesity and diabetes. The center leverages four decades of research to combat these metabolic challenges.
The Pennington Biomedical Research Center has conducted scientific research for four decades. The appointment of Petter Bjornstad follows a monthslong international search and an LSU System leadership shakeup.
The players
Petter Bjornstad
He is the current executive director of the University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute who will lead the Baton Rouge facility.
Jennifer Rood
She serves as the interim senior vice chancellor and executive director at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
John Kirwan
He is the former executive director who stepped down from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in late 2025.
LSU
The Louisiana State University System oversees the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and manages its leadership appointments.
The details
Bjornstad currently serves as the executive director of the University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute. He succeeds interim senior vice chancellor and executive director Jennifer Rood, filling the vacancy left by John Kirwan.
Timeline
December 2025: John Kirwan stepped down as executive director.
October 29, 2026: LSU announced the appointment of Petter Bjornstad.
June 30, 2027: Petter Bjornstad begins his new role.
Market Landscape
The appointment marks a new leadership phase for the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, following a period of transition in the LSU System. This move signals a commitment to retaining high-level talent to steer the institution through its next chapter of metabolic research.
Residents may see a renewed focus on community-based nutrition and metabolic health programs as the center integrates new leadership. This shift could impact local access to clinical trials and health outreach initiatives aimed at curbing state-wide diabetes rates.
The takeaway
The arrival of new leadership at the center underscores the institutional focus on addressing Louisiana's high rates of obesity and diabetes. Local residents and health stakeholders can expect continued emphasis on metabolic health research in the coming years.
Further reading
Read more about professional leadership transitions in the Baton Rouge People section.
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