EROAD appoints David Leach as CEO to spearhead AI and growth strategy
EROAD has appointed David Leach as CEO, effective October 2026, aiming to leverage his SaaS scaling expertise to accelerate growth and develop an AI-native platform.
- David Leach appointed CEO from October 12, 2026
- Leach brings extensive SaaS scaling and technology leadership
- Board extends John Scott’s Executive Chair role temporarily
- Leach’s remuneration includes NZD 595,000 base plus incentives
- Focus on AI platform development and disciplined growth execution
New CEO Signals Strategic Shift at EROAD
EROAD Limited (NZX:ERD) has named David Leach as its new Chief Executive Officer, with his appointment effective from 12 October 2026. Leach arrives with a strong pedigree in scaling software-as-a-service (SaaS) businesses globally, most recently leading JAVLN, a cloud-based insurance software firm. His track record includes growing Cin7’s annual recurring revenue more than fivefold to over NZD 110 million while enhancing profitability and expanding its global footprint.
Leadership Continuity and Board Confidence
To ensure a smooth transition, the EROAD Board has extended Executive Chair John Scott’s tenure temporarily until Leach takes the reins. Scott highlighted that Leach’s combination of commercial discipline, technology expertise, and experience in building high-performing teams aligns with EROAD’s next phase, moving from a reset period to focused execution. This leadership renewal completes a broader overhaul that included strengthening the Board and reshaping the leadership team.
Growth Ambitions Backed by AI-Native Platform Focus
Leach emphasised his commitment to accelerating EROAD’s growth by developing an AI-native platform aimed at smarter, connected transportation solutions. He stressed prioritising customer outcomes and disciplined capital allocation to maximise returns. EROAD’s platform already serves complex vehicle fleets across New Zealand, Australia, and North America, supporting compliance, safety, and sustainability.
This appointment follows EROAD’s FY26 results, which showed stable group revenue of NZD 195.2 million, buoyed by strong Australian growth offsetting a North American reset and impairment charges. The company’s renewed focus on operational excellence and AI capabilities under Leach’s leadership could be pivotal in navigating these regional dynamics and realising growth potential, particularly in the Australian market and AI-driven innovation stable group revenue of NZD 195.2 million.
Remuneration Reflects Performance Expectations
Leach’s remuneration package includes a base salary of NZD 595,000, complemented by a short-term incentive target of 33% of base salary and a long-term incentive target of 100%, both subject to performance conditions. This structure underscores the Board’s emphasis on linking executive rewards to disciplined growth and operational delivery. Full details will be disclosed in EROAD’s FY27 Remuneration Report.
Bottom Line?
David Leach’s appointment marks a clear pivot towards leveraging SaaS scale and AI innovation, but investors will be watching how quickly this translates into tangible growth and improved profitability.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Leach’s AI-native platform ambitions reshape EROAD’s competitive positioning?
- What operational changes will Leach implement to address the North American market reset?
- How closely will Leach’s incentives align with delivering shareholder value amid growth challenges?
