Since his appointment by Transend in November 2000, Ian Hollins has helped Vanuatu Post exceed growth and profitability expectations, resulting in an operating profit of over 30 million vatu (VT) in 2004. This is great news for Transend, marking another successful CEO appointment under our executive lease service.
Ian also helped to reverse a decline in mail volumes, created a fast and consistent service, encouraged investment and rural services, and set up the express mail and Xtreme Post services. In fact, as well as investing an average VT110,000 per staff member on training in 2004, Ian handed an oversized cheque to the government owners on the eve of his departure for more than VT10 million. Ian’s ability to achieve growth and increase productivity is matched also by his flair for his innovative Xtreme Post services – a factor that helped Vanuatu Post gain worldwide attention when they announced the world’s first underwater post office!
The post office is situated 50 metres offshore and at only 3 metres below the surface, making it accessible to young and old alike. Hundreds of people have already taken up the chance to post one of the special waterproof postcards available – which, as you might have guessed, are regularly collected (and ‘cancelled’ using a special underwater embossing stamp) by one of Vanuatu Post’s four trained scuba divers. Says Ian: “The demand has been incredible. We have had to reprint the original postcards and have commissioned two more designs. Visitors are excited about the prospect of visiting the site and sending a memento home to friends that is different to anything else they have come across”. Communications have been received from the filmmakers of Finding Nemo, and TV networks from New Zealand, Australia and Japan.
During his 4 years as CEO, Ian received glowing endorsements from the Board of Directors with Vanuatu Post Chairman, Sue Phelps, extending special thanks for his “energetic leadership and dedication to the company. Without his input, the company could not have made such rapid progress in the space of a few years”. As the best performing government business in the country, Vanuatu Post has become a model for others to follow.
Ian’s replacement, Gary Ryan certainly has big shoes to fill but his predecessor’s track record has not dampened Gary’s enthusiasm: “I’m very excited to take on the role and am looking forward to working with the capable team here to continue the transformation of the business.” Gary comes to Vanuatu from Trinidad and Tobago Post where he has been General Manager, Marketing for the past three years. With previous marketing roles in South Africa Post Office and New Zealand Post, Gary is well qualified to lead Vanuatu Post through its next phase of development.
Transend is now entering its fifth year at Vanuatu Post, having renewed a further two-year executive lease contract.