Muenster, Germany / New York, USA, July 2026 — Surventis has appointed David Johnston as its Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO). He joins the global coatings and surface treatment leader with more than three decades of international technology leadership experience spanning digital transformation, enterprise IT strategy, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, mergers and acquisitions, and business transformation across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
In his new role, David will lead Surventis’ global digital and information technology strategy as the company establishes its standalone operating model following the €7.7 billion acquisition of BASF Coatings by funds managed by The Carlyle Group and QIA. He will be responsible for building a world-class digital organization that supports the company’s continued growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
Prior to joining Surventis, David served as Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Technology at Messer Americas, where he was a member of the Executive Leadership Team reporting directly to the CEO. Following the company’s divestiture, he successfully executed the complete TSA exit strategy and built an independent IT organization comprising approximately 150 professionals and multiple strategic outsourcing partners. He established a multi-country IT operating model for a US$2.7 billion enterprise with more than 5,500 employees across North America and Europe while leading a comprehensive technology transformation encompassing cloud migration, enterprise data and analytics, AI adoption, cybersecurity modernization, and business digitalization. These initiatives contributed to average annual EBITDA growth of 12.5% over five years.
Earlier, David spent more than 12 years with Linde plc, holding two successive Chief Information Officer leadership positions. As CIO – Americas Operating Segment and Vice President IT, he led technology strategy for Linde’s US$4.5 billion industrial gases business across 13 countries in North and South America. During this period, he successfully directed the IT carve-out supporting a US$3.6 billion asset divestiture, covering operations across the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Colombia.
Previously, as Vice President Information Services – North America, David led technology operations for Linde’s US$3 billion North American business across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He oversaw major SAP ERP implementations, enterprise infrastructure transformation, cybersecurity programs, and M&A integrations, while successfully turning around a complex SAP implementation program in Brazil.
Before joining Linde, David served as Director, Information Management – South Pacific at BOC Gases Australia, where he led IT strategy across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. During his tenure, he modernized core infrastructure through private cloud transformation while delivering significant operational efficiencies and cost savings.
Earlier, he spent nearly nine years with BOC UK & Ireland, where he held leadership positions including Director, IT eServices Global Applications. He established globally distributed software engineering and enterprise application teams across the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and South Africa while leading strategic initiatives in enterprise web technologies, SAP Business Warehouse analytics, eCommerce platforms, and global business intelligence. His earlier progression through the organization included leadership responsibilities across SAP implementation, enterprise analytics, digital commerce, technical development, and international program management.
David’s appointment brings extensive expertise in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, AI adoption, cloud modernization, cybersecurity, SAP transformation, M&A technology integration, and executive technology leadership. His experience leading large-scale business transformations across global industrial organizations positions him strongly to guide Surventis’ next phase as an independent global leader in coatings and surface treatment technologies.
About Surventis
Surventis, formerly BASF Coatings, is a global leader in coatings and surface treatment solutions with more than 130 years of industry expertise. Headquartered in Muenster, Germany, the company serves over 42,000 customers across more than 140 countries through its businesses in Mobility Coatings, Refinish Coatings, and Surface Treatment. Supported by approximately 10,700 employees, Surventis’ portfolio includes globally recognized brands such as Chemetall®, Glasurit®, and R-M®, delivering innovative solutions for automotive, industrial, and surface treatment applications. The company is owned by funds managed by The Carlyle Group, with BASF retaining a 40% ownership stake.
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