Royal Mail board shake-up as Mark Higson announces plans to step down

(Royal Mail)

One of the architects of Royal Mail’s controversial stock-market flotation last October today quit his job, leading to a shake-up of the postal service’s board.

Mark Higson, head of operations and modernisation, will leave in July after almost seven years at the company. He will be replaced by Sue Whalley who will step up to become chief operations officer.

“Mark’s commitment and drive have been instrumental in the delivery of the first phase of our transformation programme,” chief executive Moya Green said.

“He leaves Royal Mail in a stronger position. On behalf of the Company, I offer our thanks and wish him well for the future.”

Other changes at the company will see PR man Shane O’Riordain handed responsibility for Royal Mail’s pricing, regulation and Government affairs. In addition, human resources director John Duncan is also being replaced by company secretary Jon Millidge.

The moves come just three months after Royal Mail joined the London Stock Exchange in what critics described as a “botched” privatisation. The postal group’s share price is now almost 70% higher than the 330p at which it was listed.