The Board of Australia Post has appointed Christine Holgate as managing director and Group CEO, succeeding Ahmed Fahour who will step down on July 28.
Holgate will start in the role in October, joining Australia Post from a nine-year stint as CEO of Blackmores, a manufacturer and distributor of vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements.
John Stanhope, chairman at Australia Post, said, “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.
“Christine has a demonstrated track record of delivering results in large, complex organizations, both here in Australia and internationally. 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.”
Christine Holgate commented, “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.
“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.”
Australia Post’s group chief customer officer, Christine Corbett, will lead the business through the CEO transition period between Fahour’s departure on July 28 and Holgate’s arrival in October. Corbett joined Australia Post in 1990 and has extensive experience working in leadership roles across retail, mail network, major change, strategy, marketing and communications.
June 27, 2017