Former Australia Post boss Christine Holgate named Global Express boss

“As the world emerges from COVID, it is critical that we build more resilience in our logistics networks across Australia and New Zealand. E-commerce in Australia still trails comparable countries at around 15 per cent of sales.”

Ms Holgate resigned from Australia Post in November, after it was revealed in Senate estimates she had purchased luxury watches for executives behind a deal with the big banks.

A messy Senate inquiry into her departure and claims the Morrison government wants to privatise some or all of Australia Post is set to hand down a report next week.

Private equity firm Allegro Funds agreed to acquire Global Express from Toll Group this month. It recorded $3.2 billion revenue in the 2020 financial year and was pitched to buyers with a fleet of depots, planes, trailers, trucks and the likes that would cost more than $1 billion to replace.

The company said Ms Holgate would lead the transformation strategy for the growing parcels and logistics organisation once Allegro completes its acquisition from the owner, Japan Post.

Mediation with Australia Post about her employment contract is expected to begin soon. Her six-month non-compete period ended on Saturday.

Allegro Funds founding partner Adrian Loader will be chairman of the new company.

“We are pleased to have built a close and collaborative relationship with Toll Group as we work towards completing the transaction,” he said.

“After completion, we will work hard to build an equally productive relationship with our suppliers, landlords and other business partners.”

Ms Holgate has committed to a 100-day program of meetings with customers, business partners and employees in all the company’s main markets after she assumes the role.

Toll Global Express employs more than 8000 people in Australia and New Zealand and generates more than $3 billion in revenue.