Australia Post CEO and managing director Paul Graham notified the government-owned business in October 2026 that he will retire after more than five years leading the postal operator.
Graham will remain in post until the end of the current financial year. Australia Post chair Siobhan McKenna thanked him for steering the company through structural industry shifts, and the board has begun reviewing internal and external candidates for his replacement.
Five Years of Modernisation
Graham oversaw the execution of landmark operational reforms under the Post26 Strategy before introducing the Post30 modernisation program.
McKenna credited Graham with transforming operations, improving customer experience, and establishing long-term sustainability without relying on taxpayer funding.
“Paul delivered landmark reforms under our ‘Post26 Strategy’ with the support of our shareholders and launched the next phase of our modernisation through our Post30 plan,” McKenna said.
“Paul has led Australia Post with purpose, determination and energy through a period of significant challenge for our business and the broader industries in which we operate,” McKenna added.
E-Commerce Shift and Operating Costs
The carrier navigated an unprecedented period of sector-wide change while reinforcing its footprint in Australia’s digital shopping economy, which included raising parcel surcharges to offset soaring energy costs.
Graham highlighted the enterprise’s unique position as a self-sustaining public utility throughout his tenure.
“Australia Post is a remarkable organisation with a unique place in the lives and hearts of the Australian community, and I am extremely proud of what our team has achieved,” he said.
“We have worked hard to ensure Australia Post remains one of the very few national postal operators to not require government funding and remain in public hands, while continuing to invest and grow our operations and supporting our team members, licensees and the Australian community.”
Succession and Handover
Graham confirmed he will stay focused on running day-to-day operations while assisting the board with a smooth leadership handover over the coming months.
