Postmasters General

The head of the Post Office has been known by many different titles – Master of the Posts, Comptroller General of the Posts, and Postmaster of England. It was not until 1657 that the head of the Post Office became known as 'Postmaster General'. This continued for 312 years, until September 1969 when the office of Postmaster General ceased to exist.

Complete list of Postmasters General (PDF, 329KB)

Assistant Postmasters General

In August 1909, a bill was introduced in Parliament to create the office of 'Post Office Parliamentary Secretary' (this title was changed to 'Assistant Postmaster General' in the final draft). The holder of this position would be entitled to sit in the House of Commons. The Bill received Royal Assent in October 1909, and the position of Assistant Postmaster General was officially created.

Complete list of Assistant Postmasters General (PDF, 254KB)

Secretaries to the Post Office

In June 1694 a Treasury Warrant created the office of Secretary to the Post Office. The position of Secretary soon became one that held real influence in the Post Office, with the Secretary's office becoming the centre of decision making.

Complete list of Secretaries to the Post Office (PDF, 258KB)

Leadership of the Post Office after 1969

In 1969, the Post Office ceased to be a government department and attained corporation status. This change in status was accompanied by a change in the leadership structure and the positions of Postmaster General, Assistant Postmaster General and Director General to the Post Office were replaced by new positions.

Complete list of Chairman and CEOs of the Post Office/Royal Mail after 1969 (PDF, 391KB)