Australia Post CEO Christine Holgate has resigned with immediate effect, following her controversial decision to hand out Cartier watches as a sales bonus.
Holgate has revealed she will not be seeking any financial compensation and said she was proud of her three years leading Australia Post.
In a media statement shared with licensees, Holgate said “As Christmas approaches it is critically important that the business is absolutely focussed on supporting our customers and communities. We have prepared significantly for this peak, but we still face significant challenges, keeping our people safe, managing the biggest Christmas ever and planning in the face of unpredictable seasonal weather.
“I firmly believe the ‘ship’ needs a strong captain at the helm to help navigate the business through this. The current issue I am managing is a significant distraction and I do not believe it is good for either Australia Post or my own personal wellbeing. Consequently, I have made the very difficult decision to resign, hoping the organisation can get fully focussed on serving our customers.”
Holgate told licensees, “I cannot begin to write how important your support to me has been through-out this time.”
She said “I deeply regret, that a gift I chose two years ago, to recognise the outstanding work of four employees, has caused so much debate and distraction and I appreciate in today’s eyes the optics of these gifts, do not pass the “pub test”.”
The organisation representing the interests of more than 2,850 licensees of Australian Post’s Licensed Post Office network last week pledged its strong support for its CEO.
A letter from executive director of the Licensed Post Office Group (LPOG) Angela Cramp to members of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, endorsed Holgate and the current Australia Post management.
“Christine Holgate is a unique leader that has breathed life back into Australia Post, and has brought her experience and expertise to this business to provide Australia with a viable, fit for purpose postal service,” Cramp said. “She is dedicated, dynamic and determined that this business can grow.”
