Australia Post appoints new MD and CEO

Internet Retailing

27th Jun 2017

Christine Holgate has today been announced as the new managing director and group CEO of Australia Post.

She will officially start in the position mid-to-late October of this year, succeeding Ahmed Fahour, who will step down next month after seven-and-a-half years in the role.

Holgate joins Australia Post after nine years as CEO of Blackmores and after previously holding executive roles with Telstra, JP Morgan and Cable & Wireless.

Holgate’s annual salary has been set at $1.375 million with the potential to earn incentive payments of up to $1.375 million, in accordance with the parameters set by the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal.

This is significantly lower than the salary of Ahmed Fahour, who resigned in February amidst intense scrutiny over his $5.6 million pay package.

Australia Post chairman John Stanhope a thorough global search was undertaken before Holgate was chosen to lead the business through the next phase of its transformation program.

“Over the past seven years we have transformed Australia Post into Australia’s leading parcels and e-commerce company and introduced critical reforms to the letters service. With Post now entering a new stage in our transformation, it’s the perfect time for Christine to take the helm,” Stanhope said.

“Christine has a demonstrated track-record of delivering results in large, complex organisations, both here in Australia and internationally.

“The Board was impressed by her experience of working very successfully in a range of different industries that are highly regulated. And, on top of that, she has a proven ability to implement strategy – and successfully grow a business in Asia.

“Her knowledge of global e-commerce will be invaluable as we pursue our Asian strategy, which is all about offering logistics support to Australian businesses that are either selling in Asia, or sourcing their products there.

“Christine’s business philosophy is also a perfect fit for Australia Post. She is a firm believer that businesses must perform commercially, but also serve the community. And that’s entirely consistent with our objectives as a community-based business that has both commercial objectives and community service standards to uphold.”

The Australia Post board has also announced that group chief customer officer, Christine Corbett, will lead the business through the period between Fahour’s departure on 28 July and Holgate’s arrival in October.

Corbett joined Australia Post in 1990 and has extensive experience working in key leadership roles across retail, mail network, major change, strategy, marketing and communications.

Holgate said she felt privileged to be appointed as CEO of such an iconic Australian corporation and she looked forward to building on the achievements of her predecessors.

“Australia Post has proven itself to be one of the most resilient and successful postal businesses anywhere in the world. I feel fortunate to be joining at a time when we can really strengthen Post’s leading position in the e-commerce market – both here, in Australia, and in Asia,” Holgate said.

“I’m a passionate advocate for Australian business seizing the opportunity that’s on our doorstep in Asia and that creates opportunities for everyone – our workforce, our shareholder, the community, as well as businesses across Australia.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the team. And I’m especially looking forward to getting out and meeting the posties, the drivers, post office staff, licensees and other partners who deliver services in communities across Australia, every day.”