Image courtesy of The Australian.

Australia Post’s managing director and CEO Ahmed Fahour has welcomed the appointment of John Stanhope as the new chairman of Australia Post.

Mr Stanhope’s appointment was announced by Australia Post’s two shareholder Ministers – the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy and the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator the Hon Penny Wong.

Mr Stanhope has a long-standing connection to Australia Post, having begun his career at the Postmaster General’s Department in 1967.

In a professional career spanning more than 40 years, he has held a range of senior operational and financial roles – including as chief financial officer at Telstra. He also served as an executive director on the board of Telstra between 2009 and 2011. Mr Stanhope is also currently a director of AGL Energy Limited.

Mr Fahour said Mr Stanhope’s broad range of leadership skills and industry experience will be invaluable as the business continues to transform.

“His vast expertise in the rapidly changing communications industry will equip him to guide Australia Post’s strategy and continue the transformation path set by our former chairman David Mortimer,” Mr Fahour said.

“I am looking forward to working with the new chairman and the Australia Post Board as we strive to exceed our commercial and community service goals and continue to transform Australia Post to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the digital economy.

“On a personal note I’d like to thank acting chairman Mark Darras for his support and contribution since David Mortimer vacated the role in September.”