Emma Gilthorpe resigns as chief executive of Royal Mail

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"Emma Gilthorpe Resigns as Chief Executive of Royal Mail After One Year"

Emma Gilthorpe resigns as chief executive of Royal Mail analysis cover image The Guardian 7.9
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/20/emma-gilthorpe-resigns-chief-executive-royal-mail
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TruthLens AI Summary

Emma Gilthorpe has resigned as chief executive of Royal Mail after a tenure of just over a year, a departure that follows the recent sale of the delivery company’s owner, International Distribution Services (IDS), to Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský for £3.6 billion. Gilthorpe, who joined Royal Mail from Heathrow Airport in May 2024, will be temporarily succeeded by Alistair Cochrane, the current chief operating officer. The announcement of her resignation comes shortly after a wave of changes in the company's leadership, including the resignation of several non-executive directors from IDS earlier this month. Despite the transition in ownership, the company had not previously indicated any changes regarding Gilthorpe's position after the acquisition deal was finalized in April.

During her time at Royal Mail, Gilthorpe was instrumental in spearheading the company's transformation initiatives. Martin Seidenberg, the chief executive of IDS, expressed gratitude for her efforts in driving the company forward, highlighting her significant contributions. In her farewell statement, Gilthorpe expressed pride in having led Royal Mail and optimism for its future, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a strong and sustainable outlook for the historic British institution. Alistair Cochrane, who takes over as interim chief executive, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in the logistics sector, including positions at Whistl, TNT Express, and Parcelforce Worldwide. The leadership changes come amid broader discussions regarding the strategic direction of Royal Mail following its acquisition by Křetínský’s EP Group, which had been subject to extensive scrutiny concerning national security considerations by the UK government. The recent appointment of former trade policy minister Greg Hands as a strategic adviser to EP Group adds another layer to the evolving landscape of Royal Mail's governance and strategic priorities.

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Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/20/emma-gilthorpe-resigns-chief-executive-royal-mail

The chief executive ofRoyal Mailhas left after just over a year, weeks after the delivery company’s owner was sold for £3.6bn to a Czech billionaire.

Emma Gilthorpe, whojoined from Heathrow airport in May 2024, left the company on Thursday, and will be replaced on an interim basis by the chief operating officer, Alistair Cochrane, with immediate effect, the Guardian has learned.

Daniel Křetínský completed a deal to buy International Distribution Services (IDS), the owner of the 509-year-oldRoyal Mail, in April.

A group of existing IDS non-executive directors, including the chair, Keith Williams, resigned earlier this month. However, the company had made no mention of Gilthorpe’s future after the deal.

Gilthorpe had been the chief operating officer at Heathrow airport since 2020, and joined Royal Mail in a newly created role under Martin Seidenberg, who is chief executive of IDS. She had also held positions in the telecoms industry, with BT and Cable & Wireless.

Seidenberg said: “Emma has worked tirelessly to drive forward Royal Mail’s transformation, and I would like to extend my personal thanks to her for the significant contribution she has made to the company.”

Gilthorpe said: “I will always be incredibly proud to have led Royal Mail … I look forward to seeing Royal Mail continue to transform in the years ahead, ensuring a stronger and more sustainable future for this great British company.”

Cochrane joined Royal Mail in 2023 from the delivery company Whistl, where he was chief executive. He has also held senior roles at TNT Express and Parcelforce Worldwide.

Seidenberg added: “Alistair Cochrane is an exceptional leader and brings significant experience to his new role from across the logistics industry, and from his time with us at both Royal Mail and Parcelforce.”

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Křetínský’s EP Group clinched the IDS deal after long-running UK government efforts to assess the national security considerations of the deal.

The Conservative former trade policy ministerGreg Handswas this month appointed as a strategic adviser to EP Group.

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Source: The Guardian