Key Highlights

  • Amotiv shares were trading at $6.41, down 13.50%, based on the supplied market data.
  • Managing Director and CEO Graeme Whickman will step down from the role in December 2026 after eight years leading the company.
  • Whickman will cease to be a director on 18 December 2026 and remain available for consultancy services through the remainder of FY27.
  • Amotiv's Board has commenced a comprehensive process to identify the company's next Managing Director and CEO.

Amotiv Limited (ASX:AOV) shares were trading at $6.41, down 13.50%, at the time of writing on 11 August, after the company announced on 11 August 2026 that Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Graeme Whickman will step down from the position in December.

Whickman has led Amotiv since October 2018. The company said his departure forms part of an orderly CEO succession process and that the Board has begun a comprehensive search for his replacement.

The announcement comes after an eight-year period during which Amotiv expanded its automotive operations and transitioned into a global automotive group.

Graeme Whickman's Eight-Year Tenure

During Whickman's Leadership , Amotiv said automotive Revenue and underlying EBITA increased by approximately 2.5 times.

The company also expanded its Manufacturing capabilities, diversified its customer and geographic exposure and developed its presence across international markets.

According to Amotiv, non-Australia and New Zealand revenue increased from zero to 18% during Whickman's tenure, supported by original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket customers internationally.

The company also pointed to changes in operational performance, including improvements in safety, as part of the transformation during the period.

CEO to Leave Directorship in December

Under the succession arrangements, Whickman will cease to be a director of Amotiv on 18 December 2026.

He will then take a period of leave before his employment formally ends on 11 February 2027. Following the end of employment, Whickman will remain available to provide consultancy services to Amotiv on request for the balance of FY27.

The consultancy arrangement is intended to support the transition of current Business initiatives to the incoming Managing Director and CEO.

Board Begins Search for New CEO

Amotiv's Board has initiated a comprehensive process to identify a new Managing Director and CEO.

Chair James Fazzino said Whickman had played a significant role in transforming the company and establishing its current organisational structure.

The Board also said the company had developed a capable senior team and a platform for its next phase of operations.

Amotiv did not name a successor in the announcement, meaning the CEO search remains underway.

Departure Arrangements and Remuneration

Whickman will continue receiving his normal remuneration until his employment ends on 11 February 2027. He will be eligible for a prorated FY27 short-term incentive opportunity but will not receive a FY27-FY29 long-term incentive grant.

On cessation of employment, he will receive his statutory entitlements, while his unvested Equity incentives will be prorated and remain subject to their original terms.

For the period from 12 February 2027 to 30 June 2027, Whickman will be available to provide consultancy services and will receive $5,000 per business day.

The company has also agreed to extend the repayment date of Whickman's Loan to 30 June 2027 on arm's-length terms.

Amotiv's Automotive Transformation

Amotiv describes itself as an automotive group with activities spanning manufacturing, aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer customers.

The company said its transformation under Whickman's leadership included expansion and globalisation, alongside a move towards a pure-play automotive structure.

The increase in international revenue to 18% of the company's total, from no international revenue across the relevant base period, was highlighted as part of the changes during his tenure.

Conclusion

Amotiv's planned CEO transition marks the end of Graeme Whickman's eight-year tenure at the company, during which Amotiv reported significant expansion in automotive revenue and underlying EBITA and increased its international revenue contribution. Whickman will remain involved through the transition period, first as CEO and director until December, then through his employment end date in February 2027 and subsequently as a consultant through the remainder of FY27 when required. The Board has begun a comprehensive search for a new Managing Director and CEO, with the leadership transition now becoming a key corporate development for Amotiv.