Christine Holgate officially starts in her role as CEO of Australia Post today, taking over from controversial former CEO Ahmed Fahour, with the print and mail industry hoping that Holgate will re-engage with the industry.
Holgate is the former CEO and managing director of vitamin company Blackmores. She will be earning a lot less than Fahour, who was on $5.6m a year, although her remuneration still looks tidy, it been set at $1.375m fixed annual total, with the potential to earn incentive payments of up to another $1.375m.
Following the furore over Fahour’s money the government stripped AusPost of the ability to set the figures, and gave it to 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 getting out and meeting the posties, the drivers, post office staff, licensees and other partners who deliver services in communities across Australia, every day."
Holgate’s appointment has been welcomed by the PIAA and other industry bodies, hoping for a wind of change in the AusPost approach. 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."
Fahour spent more than seven years in the role, in which Australia Post significantly raised bulk mailing and letter costs and reduced services, to the ire of print and mailing houses nationwide. Earning ten times more than the Prime Minister and five times more than the head of US Post, Fahour announced he would be leaving the role following a scandal over executive pay at the company. He is now executive chairman at packaging outfit Pro-Pac.
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