Sheffield joins newly established Australia Post executive team

Australia Post has confirmed former News Corp digital leader, Nicole Sheffield, is joining Australia’s postal player as its new chief of consumer and community.

Sheffield replaces Christine Corbett, who announced her departure from the business in March after more than 27 years in the business. Most recently, she was acting EGM of consumer and community, Australia Post’s first chief customer officer role.

Sheffield has spent the past 10 years with News Corp, holding such roles as CEO of News Digital Networks Australia and CEO of NewsLifeMedia before becoming chief digital officer in 2017. She was also formerly GM of lifestyle channels for Foxtel. Sheffield announced her departure from the group in February.

In a statement to staff, AusPost CEO, Christine Holgate, said Sheffield’s extensive career in marketing and media and her exposure to digital change were key reasons for her appointment. Sheffield will report directly to Holgate.

“Nicole is an outstanding marketing and business leader who combines a deep understanding of Australian consumers with vast digital experience,” Holgate stated. “She has enjoyed an extensive career in Australian media, where she has led businesses that, like Australia Post, are going through considerable disruption and require rapid transformation.

“Nicole’s energy, drive and proven 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 said Sheffield’s appointment rounded out her executive leadership team and complements individuals such as COO and ecommerce lead, Bob Black; plus new head of products and innovation, Ingo Bohlken; international chief, Annette Carey; and EGM of business and government; Gary Starr.

It’s also a big step forward in gender equality at the executive table, Holgate added.

In her statement to staff, Holgate also thanked Corbett for her 28 years of service and her lasting legacy. Corbett officially leaves on 13 July.

"Christine indicated to me when I first joined Australia Post that she felt it was time for her to pursue new opportunities elsewhere. She offered to stay and support me while I transitioned into Australia Post, built our strategy and recruited our new executive leadership team. I am extremely grateful for her support to both myself and for her broader leadership at Australia Post," she said. 

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