Stephen Cornelissen appointed new Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer

Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen has today joined Australian Red Cross Lifeblood as its new CEO.

Lifeblood chair, Jim Birch, said Mr Cornelissen was an outstanding appointment who will continue to build on Lifeblood’s contribution to the Australian community through blood and other biological products.

“For the past decade, Stephen has been the Group Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Health, one of Australia’s largest national health organisations,” Mr Birch said.

“Stephen has built a compelling career in the public, not-for-profit and private sectors with comprehensive experience in acute and rehabilitation hospitals, mental health, residential aged care and home and community-based services.

“Stephen is widely recognised as a proven leader who has pursued a purpose-led and values-based career. He has a deep and abiding commitment to our purpose to provide life-giving blood, plasma transplantation and biological products for world-leading health outcomes for more people in Australia.”

Mr Cornelissen said, “I am looking forward to my new role as Chief Executive of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, where I will again have the opportunity to be part of another wonderful organisation committed to advancing health outcomes and contributing to a better, more inclusive and compassionate world.

“I have already been welcomed by so many people from Lifeblood, which reaffirms to me that the same committed hearts and minds are the cornerstone of this iconic Australian organisation. I am particularly looking forward to meeting those who support us and in particular donors who provide a vital service to their communities – they are literally the lifeblood of Australia”.

In welcoming Mr Cornelissen, Mr Birch also thanked former Chief Executive Shelly Park for her outstanding service since 2015.

“I wish to take this opportunity to recognise and thank Shelly Park for her strong and unwavering leadership over the past six years. Lifeblood delivered many strategically important initiatives during Shelly’s tenure, and under her guidance, and she has left Lifeblood extremely well positioned to continue its journey of growth and innovation,” he added.

Mr Cornelissen is looking forward to rolling up his sleeves.

“I feel privileged to being part a vital and life changing organisation; one steeped in history yet with an innovative vision for the future - a future where patients and better health outcomes will always be at the forefront. I am grateful to all those who dedicate themselves to our mission and excited for what we are going to achieve going forward”.