RPM Automotive Group Limited (ASX:RPM) has appointed Mr David Johnstone as a Non-Executive Director effective 5 November 2026, with Mr Johnstone set to assume the role of Chairman on 25 November 2026 at the conclusion of the company's Annual General Meeting, succeeding current Chairman Mr Lawrence Jaffe.

Key Points

  • David Johnstone appointed Non-Executive Director effective 5 November 2026, to become Chairman on 25 November 2026
  • Lawrence Jaffe will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director following the chairmanship transition
  • Kevin Berkowitz resigned as Non-Executive Director effective 4 November 2026
  • Johnstone's appointment forms part of RPM's broader Board renewal alongside the recent appointment of Matthew Smith as Managing Director and CEO

David Johnstone Board Appointment and Chairmanship Transition

Mr Johnstone's appointment as Non-Executive Director took effect on 5 November 2026. He will assume the role of Chairman at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting on 25 November 2026, succeeding Mr Lawrence Jaffe. Mr Jaffe will continue to serve on the Board as a Non-Executive Director following the transition. According to the filing, Mr Johnstone's appointment forms part of the company's broader Board renewal as RPM progresses its turnaround strategy, following the recent appointment of Mr Matthew Smith as Managing Director and CEO.

David Johnstone's Professional Background and Experience

Mr Johnstone has more than 40 years' experience as a founder, CEO, director and chairman, with expertise in corporate governance, strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and business transformation. He served on the board of Envirosuite Limited (ASX:EVS), formerly Pacific Environment Limited, from 2014 to 2024, initially as a Non-Executive Director and as Chairman from 2016. He also led the financial turnaround and sale of Professional Investment Services to Centrepoint Alliance Limited (ASX:CAF). Mr Johnstone is a co-founder of Cadre Partners and serves as an adviser, Non-Executive Director or Chairman to a range of private companies across technology, financial services, renewable energy and medical services.

Kevin Berkowitz Resignation as Non-Executive Director

Mr Kevin Berkowitz resigned as a Non-Executive Director of RPM Automotive Group Limited effective 4 November 2026. The filing states that his date of last notice as a director was 2 December 2025. The company disclosed that the Board thanked Mr Berkowitz for his contribution to the company. A final director's interest notice, Appendix 3Z, was attached to the filing in connection with Mr Berkowitz's departure. Mr Johnstone's initial director's interest notice, Appendix 3X, was also attached, disclosing nil securities held as registered holder and nil interests in contracts at the time of appointment.