Post Office CEO Nick Read is temporarily stepping down to focus on the next phase of the Horizon scandal inquiry.
Read, who took over from Paula Vennells in 2019, aims to dedicate his full attention to the hearings in September that will scrutinise current practices at the Post Office.
During his absence from 15 July to the end of August, deputy Owen Woodley will handle daily operations. Read emphasised the importance of demonstrating the changes made to ensure such a scandal never happens again.
The Horizon scandal involved over 700 sub-postmasters who were wrongfully prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 due to faulty accounting software.
Although their convictions have been overturned, many are still seeking full compensation.
The inquiry has heard repeated denials of a cover-up from executives and lawyers, including Read’s predecessor, Paula Vennells, who returned her CBE amid public outrage.