Robert Lake, new CEO at Maltapost, to concentrate on revenue growth

Maltapost plc and Transend Worldwide Ltd yesterday announced the appointment of Robert Lake as the new chief executive officer of Maltapost.

The appointment follows a recommendation by Transend, as required in its management contract with Maltapost, and which has been met with approval from Maltapost directors.

Mr Lake will take up his job once a work permit has been issued, on a fixed term contract for 18 months through to January 31, 2004.

The role of CEO is one of three positions held by Transend contractors in Malta. The other two are marketing and operational roles.

Mr Lake will be taking up his position a month after the previous CEO, Bob Macgregor, was removed by Maltapost and Transend Worldwide Limited, after just three months in the post "in the long-term business interests" of the company.

In the interim, Maltapost chairman Frank Dimech has been in charge, until Transend, a subsidiary of New Zealand Post which has a 35 per cent shareholding in Maltapost, provided a new CEO.

In a statement issued yesterday Mr Dimech said the appointment of Mr Lake was a key commercial decision for the company's future, its employees, customers and shareholders.

"His role will focus primarily on business development and revenue growth, the main components of Maltapost's business plan," Mr Dimech said.

Mr Lake, he said, brought significant experience to the role as a postal leader spanning both the customer and the operational aspects of the business.

Mr Lake has 11 years of experience with New Zealand Post in senior sales, marketing and operational roles.

When he left the company last September Mr Lake held the position of general manager of the letters group and was responsible for all sales, marketing, customer service centres, processing and delivery functions covering New Zealand Post letters and parcels operations.

"There is no doubt that Mr Lake is the strongest candidate for this key commercial role. The board of Maltapost is pleased with the appointment which will strengthen the company's business development and revenue growth," Mr Dimech said.