Australia Post will appoint Robert Black as executive GM, parcel services, effective January 12, 2015.

His appointment follows an extensive search after former executive GM of parcel services, Richard Umbers, joined department store Myer as chief information and supply chain officer.

The Parcels Services division has continued to perform strongly in an increasingly competitive market, posting a $337.5 million operating EBIT for FY14, up 20.8 per cent on last year.

Ahmed Fahour, MD and Group CEO said: “Bob Black is an executive of extremely high calibre and I am pleased to announce that he is joining Australia Post to lead our Parcel Services business. His global knowledge will enable him to shape the future of this dynamic business, leveraging the significant infrastructure and technology investments we have made over the past two years.

“In this role, Black will be responsible for providing a world class serevice to our customers with an unrivalled suite of e-commerce driven logistics, supply chain, and parcel delivery solutions for consumers, local and international businesses, and online marketplaces.”

Black, who will also be responsible for Australia’s Post StarTrack brand,  joins the group from global express delivery company, TNT, where he was recently appointed as MD for TNT Benelux, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

From 2009 to 2014, Black was MD for TNT, responsible for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region.