Australian Red Cross announces new Lifeblood Chair

Australian Red Cross has announced that commencing 1 February 2025 Professor Brendan Murphy AC will join the Australian Red Cross Board as the new Chair of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood taking on the position from current Chair Mr Jim Birch AM.

Known for leading the Australian Government’s initial national COVID-19 response in his role as Chief Medical Officer, Professor Murphy AC brings to the Board of Australian Red Cross a wealth of experience.

Australian Red Cross President, Mr Charles Burkitt, said the organisation looked forward to welcoming Professor Murphy to the organisation.

“From his background in public health policy to his extensive Board experience, we’re looking forward to learning and benefiting from Professor Murphy’s diverse capabilities,” he said.

Mr Burkitt also thanked Mr Birch for his tenure as Chair of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Board.

“Since 2016, Jim has overseen Australian Red Cross Lifeblood during a period of extraordinary growth and innovation, which saw Lifeblood rise to the challenge of the significant increase in demand for plasma and blood, as well as its diversification into breast milk donation for premature babies and other biological products. Notwithstanding the challenges of the Covid pandemic, his leadership enabled the continuation of supply of vital medical products to the nation and since then he has overseen a highly successful CEO transition.”

As Chair of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Professor Murphy will provide guidance to the Australian Red Cross Board in its mission to provide life-giving blood, plasma, transplantation and biological products for world-leading health outcomes in Australia.

Media inquiries: media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443.