Former News Corp exec Nicole Sheffield joins Australia Post as EGM of community and consumer
Media stalwart and former chief digital officer of News Corp, Nicole Sheffield, has reappeared at Australia Post as executive general manager of community and consumer.
The move comes four months after Sheffield and News Corp indicated they were parting ways so she could make better use of her “entrepreneurial spirit”.
Sheffield was an exceptional candidate for the role, Holgate said
At Australia Post, Sheffield will replace Christine Corbett who has been acting in the role. Corbett will now leave the organisation after 28 years.
Christine Holgate, CEO of Australia Post, said Sheffield is an outstanding marketer with vast digital experience and a deep understanding of Australian consumers.
“She has enjoyed an extensive career in Australian media where she has led businesses that, like Australia Post, are going through considerable digital disruption and require rapid transformation,” Holgate said in a note to staff.
“Through [her roles with News Corp, Foxtel and Pacific Magazines] she has built a strong appreciation for retailing, particularly through newsagents, and played a vital role in assisting these small businesses adapt through a period of significant digital change. As we know, many of Australia Posts’ in-conjunction post offices are also newsagents, so there is a strong parallel and I am sure she will be a great support to our licensed post office partners as well as in reshaping our own post offices.
“Nicole’s energy, drive and proven people leadership skills, coupled with her critical appreciation of what our Community Post Offices are facing and their need to be strong and relevant for the future, made her an exceptional candidate for this very important role.”
Holgate noted that with Sheffield completing the executive leadership team, the organisation now has equal representation between men and women, suggesting: “We may have the strongest gender balance for a company of our size in Australia”.
“Many of you may wonder why I think this is important. As one of Australia’s largest employers, it is important that all employees can see that they have a fair and equal chance to be leaders. I hope the strong female leaders we have in our team will encourage all of you, no matter what gender, age, or cultural background that you too can one day be the boss.”
Australia Post’s general manager of segment development and marketing for business and government Rebecca Burrows will deliver a presentation at Mumbrella’s B2B Marketing Summit on building key business relationships. The event will take place on September 5 at the Amora Hotel Jamison in Sydney with earlybird tickets available here.
Wishing Nicole all the best in her new role.
Awesome diversity within the AP executive ranks, so kudos certainly due to Christine Holgate for practicing what she preaches.
For someone wishing to make better use of their “entrepreneurial spirit”, however, Australia Post seems like an odd choice, as would not call them that!
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I think the editor should do a spell check on this article. It would also be great if the editors could address the People correctly for people in high position with a Ms. atleast.
About the article
It excellent that the CEO is bringing a bit of diversity in culture for AP.
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Nicole, by the way that Tony isn’t me.
Congratulations you’ll be amazing.
And quite the contrary, in an era of online retailing and personalised service, there is no better place for your “entrepreneurial spirit”
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Hi Chris,
Thanks for your feedback. I think I have corrected any typos, but it is late in the day, so please feel free to flag it with me if you think I have missed any.
In terms of addressing people “correctly”, I disagree, and our house style is to simply address people by their surnames.
I hold the utmost respect for Nicole Sheffield, and do not think adding a prefix which indicates her age and / or marital status is necessary.
I tend to agree with this article, which suggests it’s bizarre/ outdated to categorise women by their age and marital status:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/apr/08/mrs-ms-or-miss-why-do-forms-require-women-reveal-their-marital-status
If you disagree, that’s your right, but please don’t take it as any indication of a lack of respect for Nicole Sheffield – or anyone for that matter – on our part.
In terms of the gender diversity at Australia Post and the appointment, we can agree – what excellent news.
Thanks,
Vivienne, editor, Mumbrella
That’s the entrepreneurial challenge right there #Boom !
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Gender diversity = Tick
Right people on the executive to deliver = to be determined
One does not denote the other.
This is not a gender statement – the right group could be 100% female (or 100% male)
Getting the right people should always be the primary focus
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CEO…ex Telstra
Chair…ex Telstra
Deputy Chair…ex Telstra
New hire…ex Telstra
Today 8000 more potential candidates
Did someone say Post Master General’s
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