Royal Mail’s Mark Higson will step down from his role as MD operations and modernisation later this year in a move that will see a number of new roles created.

Higson will be replaced by Sue Whalley, who will take up the newly created role of chief operations officer. The current director of regulation, pricing and government affairs played a key role in the recent privatisation of the company and will focus on improving safety, quality, culture and efficiency in her new position.

Whalley will be assisted by Stuart Simpson, current operations director for the West, who will fill the position of deputy chief operations officer.

Higson will leave the business in July, along with group HR director John Duncan. Duncan will be replaced by current company secretary Jon Millage next month, whose role will be filled by chief of staff Emily Pang.

Royal Mail CEO Moya Greene said: “Mark’s commitment and drive have been instrumental in the delivery of the first phase of our transformation programme. He leaves Royal Mail in a stronger position. On behalf of the company, I offer our thanks and wish him well for the future.”

Shane O’Riordain, MD for strategy and communications, will also take up responsibility for pricing, regulation and government affairs.

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