Royal Mail CEO Emma Gilthorpe has announced her resignation after just one year in the role, following the completion of a £3.6 billion takeover of parent company International Distribution Services by new owner Daniel Kretinsky.
Gilthorpe, who took over as CEO in June 2020, has cited personal reasons for her departure. In a statement, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead Royal Mail and thanked her colleagues for their support during her tenure.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the past year, especially in the face of unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic,” Gilthorpe said. “However, due to personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to step down as CEO. I am confident that Royal Mail is in a strong position for the future and I wish the company and its employees all the best.”
Gilthorpe’s resignation comes as no surprise, as the takeover by Czech billionaire Kretinsky was announced in March 2021. The deal, which has now been finalized, sees Kretinsky’s investment group acquire a 40% stake in Royal Mail, making him the company’s largest shareholder.
Kretinsky, who has a background in energy and media, has expressed his excitement about the acquisition and his plans for the future of Royal Mail. In a statement, he said, “I am delighted to have completed the acquisition of International Distribution Services and to become the largest shareholder of Royal Mail. I am confident that with our expertise and resources, we can help Royal Mail continue to grow and thrive in the ever-changing postal and logistics industry.”
The takeover has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact on Royal Mail’s operations and employees. However, Kretinsky has assured that there will be no major changes to the company’s operations or workforce.
“We have no plans to make any significant changes to Royal Mail’s operations or workforce. We believe in the company’s potential and are committed to supporting its growth and success,” Kretinsky stated.
Royal Mail, which was founded in 1516, is the UK’s national postal service and one of the oldest in the world. The company has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including declining letter volumes and increased competition from online retailers. However, under Gilthorpe’s leadership, the company has implemented various strategies to adapt to the changing landscape and remain competitive.
Gilthorpe’s resignation may come as a surprise to some, but it is clear that she has left a positive impact on the company during her short tenure. Under her leadership, Royal Mail has continued to deliver essential services to the public, even during the height of the pandemic. Her departure marks the end of an era for the company, but also the beginning of a new chapter under Kretinsky’s ownership.
In conclusion, while the news of Gilthorpe’s resignation may have initially caused some concern, it is important to remember that change can bring new opportunities. With Kretinsky’s investment and support, Royal Mail is well-positioned to continue its legacy as a leading postal and logistics company in the UK and beyond. We wish both Gilthorpe and Royal Mail all the best in their future endeavors.
