Coin and Flag Series - United Nations Postal Administration - ONU

UN POSTAL ADMINISTRATION CHIEF RETIRES
ROBERT GRAY RETIRES AS CHIEF OF THE UNITED NATIONS POSTAL ADMINISTRATION
For the past eight years, Robert Gray has served as
Chief of the United Nations Postal Administration
(UNPA).
Mr. Gray was recruited in 2002 as Chief, UNPA,
in New York, for his philatelic marketing expertise
and business background in philatelic postal
administrations. In his capacity as Chief, he has been
instrumental in introducing new marketing ideas and
streamlining business approaches which have greatly
increased UNPA’s business growth. This has proven
especially challenging in light of the changing philatelic
market and the increase of electronic media mail.
The introduction of Personalized stamps in 2003
to the United Nations was a major accomplishment
during his time as Chief, UNPA. It has been credited
as a huge success, both with tourists visiting United
Nations Headquarters in New York and with collectors
throughout the world.
Mr. Gray is also credited for launching UNPA’s
first e-commerce website, http://unstamps.un.org, in
2006/07, to offer United Nations stamps to a global
audience online.
A revamp of the UNPA stamp portfolio, including
joint issuances with major postal administrations
and participation in major international shows and
exhibitions, such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and
the recent 2010 Shanghai World Exhibition, have
contributed to the success and record growth of UNPA
in recent years.
UNPA’s renewed business success is not only
financial. UNPA has been and continues to be an
important outreach for promoting the goals and work
of the Organization.
Prior to becoming Chief, UNPA, Mr. Gray
worked for the Australian Postal Administration for
28 years. During his tenure there, he invented the first
perforated self-adhesive stamps for Australia Post and
was credited for its patent. He was also involved in
producing stamps for numerous postal administrations
as well as creating personalized stamps and corporate
advertising on stamps.
After retiring from the United Nations, Mr. Gray
will return to his home country, Australia, with his
wife Marina. He is eager to spend time with his family.
The staff of UNPA, as well as Mr. Gray’s
friends, colleagues and philatelic collectors, wish
him all the best in his future endeavours. He will be
truly missed by both his colleagues and philatelic
collectors worldwide.
On 8 July 2010, Secretary-
General BAN Ki-moon presented
Robert Gray with a certficate
in recognition of his dedicated
service to the United Nations.
In the Photo (left to right): Mrs.
BAN Soon-taek; Ms. Angela
Kane, Under-Secretary-General
for Management; Robert Gray,
Chief, UNPA; and Secretary-
General BAN Ki-moon.
10