News: Why Singpost CEO for domestic unit stepped down

Leadership

Why Singpost CEO for domestic unit stepped down

“I leave knowing that SingPost is on the right path for transformation,” said Shahrin Abdol Salam.
Why Singpost CEO for domestic unit stepped down

SINGAPORE – The CEO for the domestic unit of mail and logistics specialist Singapore Post (Singpost) has stepped down barely a year after assuming the role.

Shahrin Abdol Salam has resigned to “pursue opportunities outside the company,” the service provider confirmed on 3 February.

Shahrin later clarified that his departure stemmed from his decision to “focus on a new chapter” in his career.

“During my tenure, I have had the privilege of leading this iconic organisation through its ongoing transformation with a focus on people, passion and processes,” Shahrin said in a statement.

“As I embark on this new phase, I leave knowing that SingPost is on the right path for transformation.”

Neo Su Yin, who occupied the post before Shahrin took over, will return as CEO of the Singapore business.

Neo currently serves as group COO during a tumultuous time at Singpost following the historic sacking of three senior executives who purportedly mishandled the case of a whistleblower during the company’s internal probe.

Singpost said it is preparing a transition timeline for Neo as she assumes the additional responsibility of CEO of the domestic unit.

“Su Yin is familiar with the Singapore Business Unit having run the business from November 2021 until May 2024,” Singpost said.

Simon Israel, chairman of the board, thanked Shahrin for his contribution to SingPost during his time. “[We] wish him well in his future endeavours,” he said.

“In his tenure at SingPost, he has lent his expertise in transport and infrastructure to help streamline our network capabilities with a focus on people and operational excellence,” Israel added.

Shahrin joined Singpost as CEO of the Singapore business around the same time. He was previously managing director of SMRT’s Thomson-East Coast Line and senior vice president of strategic relations at SMRT Corporation.

The aftermath of Singpost's leadership shakeup

In December, Singpost fired three top executives over claims they handled internal investigations of a whistleblower complaint poorly.

The company reportedly conducted disciplinary proceedings that found group CEO Vincent Phang, group CFO Vincent Yik and CEO of Singpost’s international business Li Yu “grossly negligent” in their response to the complaint.

The whistleblower alleged the international unit was manipulating delivery status codes for international parcels set to be delivered on behalf of a large client.

Managers at the unit purportedly manually indicated “delivery failure” in their service reports. The crew, however, allegedly failed to document processes and made no delivery attempts.

The three terminated executives have vowed to “vigorously contest” their dismissal and the proceedings that prompted it.

Yu, the CEO of the international unit, said on social media that he was “left with no option but to take affirmative steps” towards challenging the reasoning behind his dismissal.

“I will also seek to enforce my legal rights and vindicate my personal reputation. Suffice to state for present purposes, I disagree with the alleged reasons given and will robustly defend my position in the proper forum,” Yu said.

Meanwhile, Phang and Yik delivered a joint statement also clarifying their plans to contest their termination.

“We disagree with and are disappointed at the decision of the board to terminate us from our roles at the company after years of dedicated and committed service. It is our position that the termination is without merits, and was also procedurally unfair,” they said.

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Topics: Leadership, Business

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