Christine Holgate will leave vitamin company Blackmores to replace Ahmed Fahour as chief executive of Australia Post.

Ms Holgate’s appointment, announced Tuesday, comes after a global search for a successor for Mr Fahour, who resigned amid a furor over his publicly-funded, $5.6-million remuneration package.

Ms Holgate will receive a $1.375 million annual salary at Australia Post, with the potential to earn the same again in incentive payments,in accordance with parameters set by the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal.

Ms Holgate led Blackmores for nine years, guiding the natural healthcare company through a period of huge growth and expansion into China that briefly helped lift its shares on the ASX above $220.

She is also a board member of the Collingwood Football Club.

Australia Post chairman John Stanhope said Australia Post had transformed into the country’s leading parcels and e-commerce company over the past seven years and introduced critical reforms to the letters service.

Mr Stanhope said Ms Holgate had a track record in delivering results in large, complex organisations, both in Australia and internationally.

“Her knowledge of global e-commerce will be invaluable as we pursue our Asian strategy, which is all about offering logistics support to Australian businesses that are either selling in Asia, or sourcing their products there.”

Blackmores chairman Stephen Chapman announced Ms Holgate’s departure “with regret”, adding that director Marcus Blackmore would return from a sabbatical to become interim chief executive.

The company had revealed she would be leaving the vitamins giant on September 29 in a statement to the ASX.

Ahmed Fahour resigned after his salary was revealed. Photo: ABC

Ms Holgate said she felt privileged to be appointed as CEO of an iconic Australian corporation and, “one of the most resilient and successful postal businesses anywhere in the world”.

“I’m a passionate advocate for Australian business seizing the opportunity that’s on our doorstep in Asia and that creates opportunities for everyone — our workforce, our shareholders, the community, as well as businesses across Australia,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the team.

“I’m especially looking forward to getting out and meeting the posties, the drivers, post office staff, licensees and other partners who deliver services in communities across Australia, every day.

The Australia Post board said group chief customer officer Christine Corbett will lead the business through the CEO transition period – between Mr Fahour’s departure on July 28 and Ms Holgate’s arrival in October.

Earlier Tuesday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull hinted at the appointment while speaking to the football club’s president Eddie McGuire on Melbourne’s Triple M.

“It is a great Australian and a great hire,” he said.

– With AAP