Australian Red Cross Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Australian Red Cross has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, information technology, legal, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to humanitarian aid, Australian Red Cross provides critical relief to disaster victims and empowers communities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies, solidifying its vital role in Australia.

Leadership Roles at Australian Red Cross

  • Chief Executive Officer - Andrew Colvin
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - James Whitman
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jean-Baptiste Naudet
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Cindy Tilley
  • President - Katherine Ao
  • Chief Information Officer - Abhishek Tripathi
  • Chief Legal Officer - Noni Clarkson
  • Andrew Colvin - Chief Executive Officer

    Andrew Colvin, the Chief Executive Officer at Australian Red Cross, directs the organization's strategic vision and operational execution. Colvin oversees all facets of humanitarian aid delivery, ensuring alignment with the core mission of supporting vulnerable populations. This leadership involves guiding disaster response efforts across Australia, managing resource allocation for emergency preparedness programs, and fostering partnerships with government agencies and other non-profits. Andrew Colvin's focus remains on enhancing the organization's capacity to provide timely and effective relief, driving initiatives that strengthen community resilience against unforeseen crises. The Chief Executive Officer's role is central to maintaining the integrity and impact of Australian Red Cross's humanitarian services, ensuring sustained support for those in need.

    James Whitman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    James Whitman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Australian Red Cross, spearheads the overarching strategic direction and governance of the humanitarian organization. Whitman's leadership encompasses the development and implementation of long-term goals, ensuring the organization effectively fulfills its mission of providing relief and support during disasters and emergencies. This executive role involves cultivating key stakeholder relationships, including government bodies, corporate partners, and community leaders, to bolster operational capacity and resource mobilization. James Whitman drives initiatives aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and response mechanisms across Australia, focusing on community resilience and humanitarian impact. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview includes championing the organization's values and expanding its reach to serve more individuals and communities facing adversity.

    Jean-Baptiste Naudet - Chief Financial Officer

    Jean-Baptiste Naudet, the Chief Financial Officer at Australian Red Cross, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Naudet oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting functions, ensuring fiscal responsibility across humanitarian operations. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support disaster relief efforts and emergency preparedness programs throughout Australia. Jean-Baptiste Naudet directs the management of assets, liabilities, and cash flow, safeguarding the organization's financial stability to maximize its impact on vulnerable communities. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to ensuring compliance with financial regulations and optimizing funding streams to sustain and expand the reach of Australian Red Cross's vital services.
    Jean-Baptiste Naudet

    Cindy Tilley - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Cindy Tilley, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Australian Red Cross, supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the organization's financial operations and strategic planning. Tilley assists in overseeing budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting, ensuring fiscal integrity across all humanitarian programs. This role is integral to maintaining the financial stability required for effective disaster relief and emergency preparedness initiatives throughout Australia. Cindy Tilley contributes to developing financial models that optimize resource utilization and enhance the organization's capacity to respond to crises. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's collaboration ensures robust financial oversight, supporting Australian Red Cross's mission to provide essential aid and services to communities in need.

    Katherine Ao - President

    Katherine Ao, the President at Australian Red Cross, provides high-level strategic guidance and leadership oversight for the organization's humanitarian endeavors. Ao's role involves championing the mission of providing relief to disaster victims and supporting communities in preventing, preparing for, and responding to emergencies across Australia. This executive position focuses on fostering strong governance practices and ensuring the organization's strategic objectives are met with integrity and efficiency. Katherine Ao collaborates with other leaders to enhance operational effectiveness and expand the reach of vital services. The President's influence is key to driving forward the humanitarian impact of Australian Red Cross, ensuring sustained support for vulnerable populations.

    Abhishek Tripathi - Chief Information Officer

    Abhishek Tripathi, the Chief Information Officer at Australian Red Cross, directs the organization's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Tripathi oversees the development and implementation of robust IT infrastructure, ensuring seamless information flow to support humanitarian operations and emergency response. This leadership role involves managing data security, enhancing technological capabilities for disaster management, and leveraging digital tools to improve service delivery across Australia. Abhishek Tripathi focuses on optimizing information systems to empower staff and volunteers, enabling more efficient and effective aid distribution. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision drives innovation in technology adoption, ensuring Australian Red Cross remains at the forefront of utilizing digital solutions to meet evolving humanitarian needs.
    Noni Clarkson, the Chief Legal Officer at Australian Red Cross, provides expert legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the organization. Clarkson ensures compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, safeguarding the humanitarian mission and operational integrity across Australia. This executive position involves managing legal risks, advising on policy development, and representing the organization in legal matters. Noni Clarkson's responsibilities include guiding the legal framework for disaster response operations and emergency preparedness programs, ensuring ethical and lawful conduct. The Chief Legal Officer's strategic guidance is crucial for maintaining public trust and upholding the principles of humanitarian law in all activities undertaken by Australian Red Cross.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Australian Red Cross Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Australian Red Cross?
    Australian Red Cross is led by Andrew Colvin (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Whitman (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Jean-Baptiste Naudet (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Australian Red Cross’s executive team?
    The executive team of Australian Red Cross includes leaders such as Andrew Colvin (Chief Executive Officer), James Whitman (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jean-Baptiste Naudet (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Australian Red Cross have?
    Australian Red Cross has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Australian Red Cross’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Australian Red Cross includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, President.