Matthew Smith appointed RPM Automotive Group Managing Director
RPM Automotive Group Limited (ASX: RPM) has appointed Mr Matthew Smith as Managing Director, effective 1 November 2026. The announcement is dated 2 November 2026.
The remuneration terms list his position as “Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer”. Chairman Lawrence Jaffe linked the appointment to RPM’s turnaround plan, which aims to strengthen operating performance, improve profitability and cash flow, and deliver enhanced returns for shareholders.
Lawrence Jaffe, Chairman
“Matt brings significant commercial and financial experience, together with a demonstrated track record in building and growing businesses. He has a disciplined approach to strategy, pricing and systems, which will be important as RPM continues to execute its turnaround plan…”
For investors, the Chairman’s emphasis on pricing and systems aligns the new leader with the priorities RPM has set for its turnaround.
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Who is Matthew Smith?
Mr Smith brings more than 20 years’ experience across business, financial services and investment markets. Key credentials from the announcement include:
- Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Marathon Consolidated Limited since 2014, an unlisted public company with interests in tyre retailing, food and packaging.
- Non-Executive Director of MBL Food & Packaging Limited, where he has contributed to growth from approximately $22 million in revenue to more than $75 million.
- Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance.
- Previous lecturer in finance and investment subjects at James Cook University.
- Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
His tyre retailing background sits alongside RPM’s tyre business, Revolution Tyre Services.
What a Managing Director and CEO does
A Managing Director and CEO leads a company’s day-to-day management and is accountable to the Board of Directors. The role typically covers strategy, operations and financial performance.
Leadership changes matter to investors during a turnaround because the person in the role carries responsibility for executing the plan. At RPM, that plan centres on operating performance, profitability and cash flow.
Remuneration package and what it signals
The Board approved the following material terms of Mr Smith’s appointment.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixed remuneration | **$300,000** per annum plus statutory superannuation |
| Short-term incentive (STI) | Target opportunity of **35%** of fixed remuneration excluding superannuation (**$105,000**), payable in cash and subject to achievement of agreed performance measures and objectives determined by the Board, and the Board’s discretion. For FY27, the STI applies pro rata from the commencement date. |
| Long-term incentive (LTI) | No LTI has been agreed at this time. Any future LTI will be discussed and agreed with the Board. |
| Term | No fixed term and no probationary period |
Termination provisions are as follows:
- During the first six months, either Mr Smith or the Company may terminate with one month’s written notice.
- After the first six months, Mr Smith may terminate by giving three months’ written notice.
- The Company may terminate without cause by giving three months’ written notice at any time.
- The Company may elect to make payment in lieu of all or part of the notice period.
- No other termination payments apply, other than accrued entitlements and any amounts required by law.
Any issue of securities to Mr Smith as a director will be subject to shareholder approval under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. His Appendix 3X shows Nil relevant interests in securities and Nil interests in contracts as at his appointment date.
The package is cash-based, with a performance-linked STI and no LTI agreed at this stage.
About RPM Automotive Group
RPM is expanding its national footprint in the automotive aftermarket. Its business units sell wheels, tyres, accessories and apparel across wholesale and retail customers, with key brands including Revolution Tyre Services, Revolution Racegear and RPM Autoparts.
The appointment is the next step in RPM’s execution of its turnaround plan.
RPM’s H1 FY26 EBITDA growth of 8% to $2.5 million came despite a 10.9% fall in revenue, showing the cost discipline and margin focus that the turnaround plan now asks the new Managing Director to build on.
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