Christine Holgate will replace Ahmed Fahour, becoming Australia Post’s managing director and CEO from mid-October.
She is currently the CEO and managing director of vitamin company Blackmores, with the company noting it enjoyed a period of success under her leadership. Holgate will officially leave Blackmores on September 29.
Fahour spent more than seven years in the role, in which Australia Post raised bulk mailing and letter costs, to the ire of print and mailing houses nationwide. Earning substantially more than the Prime Minister, Fahour announced he would be leaving the role following a scandal over executive pay at the company, with the Federal Government stepping in to regulate future pay packages.
Australia Post says Holgate's remuneration has been set at $1.375m fixed annual total remuneration and the potential to earn incentive payments of up to $1.375m, in accordance with the parameters set by the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal.
Holgate says, "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 eCommerce market both here, in Australia, and in Asia.
"I'm a passionate advocate for Australian business seizing the opportunity that is on our doorstep in Asia, creating opportunities for everyone.
"I am looking forward to joining the team, getting out and meeting the posties, the drivers, post office staff, licensees and other partners who deliver services in communities across Australia, every day."
With Fahour leaving at the end of July, and Holgate taking the reins in September, Christine Corbett, Group chief customer officer, will lead the business through the transition period.
Australia Post has worked closely with Blackmores in the past, with the pair teaming up with Chinese eCommerce giant Alibaba to fight food fraud earlier this year.
Speaking on the appointment, Kellie Northwood, CEO, ACA says, "A warm congratulations to Christine Holgate on this new role, we look forward to working with Ms Holgate in our ongoing Australia Post partnerships as we collaborate to build a positive future for the mail and print industries."
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