Our people

About our organisation

As a small independent agency, our team directly contributes to improving patients' lives and outcomes in a challenging and ever-changing industry.

We are organised into 2 groups:

• Commercial Blood Products and Business Services
• Fresh Blood Products and Business Systems.

Each group has its own program and business responsibilities. A Deputy Chief Executive oversees each group's activities.

Our Chief Executive, Adriana Platona, is the accountable authority for the NBA.

Our executive team

Adjunct Professor Adriana Platona PSM, Chief Executive

Adjunct Professor Adriana Platona PSM is the Chief Executive of the National Blood Authority (NBA). She is a distinguished public sector leader recognised with the Public Service Medal for her outstanding service in public health.

Adjunct Professor Platona has more than two decades of senior leadership experience in the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, where she worked across health and ageing portfolios. She has led major reforms in policy, governance, and service delivery, and is widely respected for her expertise in leadership, strategy, and public administration.

Mr Ben Noyen, Deputy Chief Executive, Commercial Blood Products and Business Services

Mr Noyen was appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive, Commercial Blood Products and Business Services in mid-November 2023. He is an experienced senior executive and leader with a background in health policy, compliance and regulation, manufacturing and corporate operations. Originally an industrial engineer, Mr Noyen’s experience prior to government extends to private sector roles in business consulting, fraud and risk management. Earlier in his career, he served as a police officer.

In the National Blood Authority, Mr Noyen is responsible for the commercial strategy and supply of plasma-derived products, recombinant and other alternative blood products. In addition, he leads the national Immunoglobulin Governance Program and manages the assessment and funding of new products. Mr Noyen is also responsible for national blood sector research and development, along with the National Blood Authority’s business services that includes finance, legal services, human resources and communications.

Ms Sandra Cochrane, Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Fresh Blood Products and Business Systems

Sandra Cochrane is Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Fresh Blood Products and Business Systems. She has been with the NBA since 2003 in several roles overseeing Finance, Supply Management, Contract Management, Data and Project Management.

Sandra’s NBA responsibilities in her acting capacity covers fresh blood products and services and related issues. This includes coordinating the national supply planning processes across Australia and the review of the National Blood Supply Contingency Plan. She has executive responsibility for our contract with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. She also has executive responsibility for the Chief Information Officer group, our ICT and data management activities.

Sandra’s role also includes responsibility for collaboration with the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care for the National Safety and Quality Health Service Blood Management Standard. In addition, Sandra represents the NBA on Lifeblood’s National Blood Transfusion Committee (NBTC) to provide guidance and advice on the requirements and priorities of governments.

Get in touch

For more information about our people, contact us.