Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour has lost his long-time chief operating officer and right-hand man Ewen Stafford who resigned on Friday, after the business announced a $222 million loss. 
Mr Stafford was brought across by Mr Fahour from National Australia Bank in 2010. His resignation follows the departure of a string of executives including high-profile IBM recruit Tracey Fellows to become chief executive of REA Group and head of parcels Richard Umbers to become CEO of Myer.
It comes at a critical time for the business, as it moves to two-speed mail and seeks permission from the competition regulator to raise the price of stamps for its basic service to $1 from   January. Next month it will receive a report from former chief commissioner of Victoria Police Ken Lay, who has undertaken an internal review in relation to an alleged immigration racket involving Australia Post delivery drivers.
"With regulatory reform now in hand, and with our Part of Tomorrow transformation moving into a new phase that will see us take our place as a leader in eCommerce, Ewen has made the decision to leave so he can pursue new career opportunities," Mr Fahour wrote to staff on Friday in an email obtained by The Australian Financial Review.
"I want to congratulate Ewen on his contribution to Australia Post and at a personal level thank him for his support, counsel and camaraderie."