Consignia fills the top post

THE Post Office, now formally known as Consignia, yesterday appointed the former Asda chief executive Allan Leighton as its interim chairman. Mr Leighton, who has taken on a number of appointments since leaving Asda, has been a board director of the organisation since April. He is replacing Neville Bain, who retired at the end of the year. A spokesman for Consignia said yesterday that Mr Leighton would spend one day a week in the office and would support chief executive John Roberts. “The post of chairman was advertised a fortnight ago,” the spokesman said. “It is completely down to Allan whether or not he applies. As far as I know, he hasn’t indicated what he intends to do.” The spokesman added that Mr Leighton would be paid the same amount as interim chairman as he has been as a board director – pounds 20,000 a year plus expenses. “We are very pleased that he has undertaken the role,” he said. “How long he will do it for is a piece-of-string question. The Secretary of State appoints the chairman.” Mr Leighton holds other posts, including chairmanships of BHS and Lastminute.com. He also runs a business advice website, where he lists his hobbies as morris dancing, football, cricket and running. He said yesterday: “With our people, we have much to achieve quickly. This arrangement will ensure there is no pause in the pace of change.”