Lifeblood board and executive

We’re governed by a board of ten non-executive members and the Chief Executive. The Lifeblood Board reports to the Australian Red Cross Board, which has overall responsibility and oversight. They appoint all non-executive board members. 

Along with the generic skills most boards need, our Board also needs to understand the health sector, transfusion medicine, manufacturing in a highly regulated environment, and government relations and policy. Members are generally appointed for a three-year term, but may be eligible for reappointment.  

Our Board plays a vital role in ensuring the good governance of Lifeblood. It's responsible for the organisation’s efficient operation and takes the lead in setting the culture of how we operate. It oversees strategic direction, financial and operational activities and risk management. 

Meet the Lifeblood Board

Mr Jim Birch AM - Chair
Mr Jim Birch AM - Chair
BHA, FCHSM
Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen AM – Chief Executive Officer
Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen AM – Chief Executive Officer
BN, MHA, Grad Cert Leadership and Catholic Culture, PGDipSI (Oxford), FAICD
Professor Christopher Baggoley AO
Professor Christopher Baggoley AO
BVSc (Hons), BMBS, B Soc Admin, DUniv (Flinders) FACEM, FIFEM, FRACMA, FAAHMS
Mr Charles Burkitt
Mr Charles Burkitt
MAICD
Dr Lance Emerson
Dr Lance Emerson
PhD, MSc (PHC), BSc, MAICD
Ms Julie Fahey
Ms Julie Fahey
BAppSc
Ms Merran Kelsall AO
Ms Merran Kelsall AO
BCom (Hons), FCPA, FCA, MBA, FAICD
Ms Shehani Noakes
Ms Shehani Noakes
MBA (INSEAD), BSc Hons Mathematics and Economics (London School of Economics)
Ms Amanda Sellers
Ms Amanda Sellers
BCom, FCA, CTA
Ms Annette Ruhotas
Ms Annette Ruhotas
BEng, BTeach, MAICD
Professor Robyn Ward AM
Professor Robyn Ward AM
MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FAHMS
Mrs Gabrielle Hewitson - Board Secretary
Mrs Gabrielle Hewitson - Board Secretary
BSc, Grad Dip Bus Admin, GAICD, FCG (CS, CGP), FGIA

Meet our committee members

Clinical, Ethics & Research Committee
  • Professor Christopher Baggoley AO (Chair)
  • Dr Ellen Maxwell
  • Professor Biswadev Mitra
  • Ms Zoe McQuilten
  • Associate Professor David Roxby
  • Dr Matthew O'Sullivan
  • Professor Robyn Ward AM
  • Professor Lachlan Miles
  • Professor Ian Kerridge
Ethics committee
  • Professor Tari Turner (Chair)
  • Mr Stephen Blanks
  • Professor John Gibson
  • Mr Andrew Greaves
  • Ms Andrea Calleia
  • Professor Merlin Crossley
  • Rev Megan Curlis-Gibson
  • Dr Amanda David
  • Mr Martin Aicken
  • Ms Fiona Harris
Finance & Investments Committee
  • Ms Merran Kelsall AO (Chair)
  • Ms Amanda Sellers
  • Ms Shehani Noakes
  • Mr Charles Burkett
  • Ms Leah Bennett
Culture, Nomination & Remuneration Committee
  • Mr Lance Emerson (Chair)
  • Mr Jim Birch AM
  • Mr Charles Burkitt
  • Ms Fiona Ryan
  • Ms Shehani Noakes
Audit and Risk Committee
  • Ms Julie Fahey (Chair)
  • Mr Jim Birch AM
  • Ms Merran Kelsall AO
  • Ms Annette Ruhotas
  • Mr Sam Hardjono
  • Mr Jean-Baptiste Naudet

Meet the Lifeblood Executive

Peter McDonald - Executive Director, Governance, Quality and Assurance
Peter McDonald - Executive Director, Governance, Quality and Assurance
BA (Economics), MPA, FCPA, GAICD, FHFM
John Brown - Executive Director, Finance and Corporate, and Chief Financial Officer
John Brown - Executive Director, Finance and Corporate, and Chief Financial Officer
CPA, BBus (Accounting), GAICD
Dr Joanne Pink - Executive Director, Pathology and Clinical Governance, and Chief Medical Officer
Dr Joanne Pink - Executive Director, Pathology and Clinical Governance, and Chief Medical Officer
MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA, GAICD
Cath Stone - Executive Director, Donor Engagement and Experience
Cath Stone - Executive Director, Donor Engagement and Experience
BApplied Economics, Asialink Leaders Alumni, GAICD
Ann Larkins - Executive Director, Information and Communications Technology, and Chief Information Officer
Ann Larkins - Executive Director, Information and Communications Technology, and Chief Information Officer
MBT, CCRN, CHCIO, GAICD
Greg Wilkie - Executive Director, Manufacturing and Logistics
Greg Wilkie - Executive Director, Manufacturing and Logistics
MA (Hons), Diploma Management Studies, Diploma Marketing, MBA, GAICD
Marion Hemphill - General Counsel
Marion Hemphill - General Counsel
LLB (Hons)
Stuart Chesneau - Executive Director, Strategy and Growth
Stuart Chesneau - Executive Director, Strategy and Growth
BA (Hons), MMgt (Supply Chain)
Shelley Abrams - Executive Director, People and Culture
Shelley Abrams - Executive Director, People and Culture
BCom, MHRMgt

Know our governance policy

Know our governance policy