An Post CEO’s Salary Sparks Controversy Amid Pay Disparities

The chair of An Post, Kevin Mulvey, has voiced strong concerns regarding the annual salary of the company’s CEO, currently set at €250,000. Mulvey described it as “wholly unfair” that while the heads of other semi-state enterprises are receiving pay raises, An Post has not adjusted its compensation package since 2019.

During discussions with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, Mulvey highlighted that the remuneration for An Post’s outgoing CEO, David McRedmond, includes a salary of €250,000, a company car, and a 25 percent private pension plan. He pointed out that other commercial semi-states have exceeded this amount, with salaries reaching €300,000.

Mulvey emphasized the need for a revised salary structure, stating, “It is highly unlikely that we will be able to attract the calibre of candidate we need to succeed the current CEO on this package.” His remarks come as An Post prepares to launch a search for a new chief executive. The chairman’s letter, dated March 2023, expressed concern that the existing compensation would hinder the recruitment of suitable candidates.

In a subsequent response from Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien in April, he indicated that it would not be appropriate to consider Mulvey’s request at that time. O’Brien noted that an independent review of pay rates for chief executives in the commercial semi-state sector was underway.

Despite the ongoing review, McRedmond announced that he would be stepping down from his position. An Post has since advertised for a new CEO, although the salary for the role has not been specified. Inquiries directed to the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport, which oversees An Post, revealed that the remuneration for the CEO role has not yet been confirmed.

A spokesperson for the department stated, “The contract for the CEO position is subject to the approval of the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and the Minister for Public Expenditure.” They added that the pay for top managers in commercial semi-states remains under review as part of an ongoing process.

The spokesperson also acknowledged An Post’s efforts to enhance its operations, particularly in parcel and e-commerce delivery, which is expected to benefit the company and its consumers. They recognized McRedmond’s contributions in steering the business through challenges while hoping that the transformative changes initiated under his leadership will continue with the new CEO.

As An Post navigates these significant changes, the discussions surrounding the CEO’s pay raise reflect broader issues of compensation equity within the semi-state sector. The outcome of the ongoing review may further influence how organizations like An Post attract and retain leadership talent in a competitive environment.