Australia Post issues statement as CEO Christine Holgate resigns

Australia Post Chair Lucio Di Bartolomeo issued a statement on Monday, 2 November 2020, addressing the recent resignation of ex-boss Christine Holgate.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Australia Post, I wish to advise that Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Christine Holgate resigned today,” said Bartolomeo in the statement. 

“Her resignation is effective immediately,” the statement continued.

Holgate’s resignation came immediately after Communications Minister Paul Fletcher and Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered an investigation into the purchase of $20,000 worth of luxury watches used to reward senior executives back in 2018, using what is accused to be taxpayers’ money.

According to Bartolomeo, Holgate will continue to cooperate in the investigation.

“Ms Holgate has indicated her willingness to participate in the recently announced Shareholder Departments investigation into aspects of Australia Post expenditure,” said Bartolomeo in the statement. 

“The Board and management are providing full cooperation and assistance to this Review,” he said. 

According to Bartolomeo, Christine Holgate has held the role of Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director since October 2017 and while noting the current Review, he would like to acknowledge and recognise the significant contributions she has made during her tenure. 

Related: Australia Post announces Woolies executive Paul Graham as new CEO

The statement also went on to acknowledge the growth of Australia Post over the last three years.

“During the last three years, Australia Post has reported significant growth as it continued to innovate and transform its operations and structures to best deliver for Australian communities and customers,” Bartolomeo said. 

He added that this has been one of the toughest years in Australia Post’s history and the Board acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made across the organisation to meet the challenges of COVID-19. 

“Australia Post has always been there for Australian communities and this year, it delivered more parcels than ever before – 400 million, to more than 12.3 million delivery points across the country. Australia Post invested more than $20 million in keeping 75,000 of our workforce safe and supported our post office network with 99.6% remaining open and serving the community throughout this time,” the statement continued. 

According to Bartolomeo, the Board is acutely aware of the challenge of the Christmas peak period ahead and Australia Post is working hard to deliver for Christmas 2020.

Source: Australia Post newsroom