Peter Tesch retired in August 2022 after more than 35 years in the Australian federal public service. He was Deputy Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Industry in the Department of Defence from 2019 to 2022. During his 32-year career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, he was Ambassador to the Russian Federation (2016–19), Ambassador to Germany (2009–13), and head of the International Security Division (2014–15). He also served as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York (2002–05).