Signing Off: Kevin Johnson Retires After 20 Years at Argonaut

Kevin joined Argonaut as employee number 23. The office was still under construction, with builders on the floor and a small team establishing itself at the top of Allendale Square. It didn’t take long for him to be convinced.

“I went up to the 30th floor to meet Eddie Rigg and he explained this was Argonaut’s new office,” Kevin recalls. “A broking firm specialising in resources at the top of a building in the Perth CBD — I thought, this makes sense. That was it.”

That moment was 20 years ago. This week, Kevin retires after four decades in stockbroking, leaving behind a firm that has grown to more than 65 staff across Perth and Sydney, with research coverage spanning over 90 stocks.

BUILDING SOMETHING

Kevin arrived with two decades of dealing experience and a seat on the board of a previous brokerage. He knew what a growing firm looked like, and he wanted to help build another one.

“My conditions were pretty simple. I wanted to own part of the company, and I wanted to sit on the board. I didn’t just want to be an employee. I felt I could contribute.”

Over the years, he has seen Argonaut evolve into a fully integrated investment house spanning stockbroking, research, corporate finance, and funds management. For Kevin, that evolution is central to what the firm has become.

“We’re not just a broking firm that buys and sells shares. We help companies grow — companies that build mines, employ people, and generate royalties for Western Australia. That became the ethos of Argonaut.”

He also points to the expansion of research coverage as a key milestone.

“We’ve gone from 30 stocks to over 95. That gives global institutional clients confidence that we really understand these commodity markets. We began with a great business. Now we’ve got an even greater one.”

A STEADY PRESENCE

Kevin is typically understated about his own role. Asked what he is most proud of, he naturally leans on a sporting analogy.

“Every team has its stars, but every team needs a halfback flanker or someone in defence. I’ve tried to be that steady, consistent voice — someone people can come to. The best supporting actor, so to speak.”

Colleagues describe him differently. Over 20 years, Kevin has served on the Argonaut board, helped shape its compliance culture, and become one of the most trusted and approachable senior figures in the business.

“Having worked closely with Kevin since those early days of the firm, it’s hard to imagine Argonaut without seeing him every day. He’s been a constant and appreciated presence and someone you could always lean on when things were moving fast. He’s made a lasting contribution to the culture and direction of Argonaut. I look forward to Kevin remaining as a non-executive director.”
— Eddie Rigg, Executive Chairman

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Kevin for most of my career. What stands out is how consistently he puts the team first. He is always someone people turn to for guidance and perspective. That kind of presence is incredibly valuable.”
— Greg Southee, CEO

WHAT COMES NEXT

Kevin will remain a shareholder and non-executive director and leaves confident in the firm’s direction.

“We had a record year last year, and we will beat it this year. There’s no reason Argonaut can’t continue to grow.”

For those earlier in their careers, his advice is simple:

“You’re surrounded by talented people. Ask questions, use that knowledge, and if you want to grow, you’ll get the support to do it. There’s no ceiling here.”

After 40 years in markets, Kevin Johnson says the timing feels right to step away as a full time executive, leaving Argonaut in the hands of the next generation.

Kevin Johnson officially retires from Argonaut on 30 June 2026 after 20 years as an Executive Director and senior member of the private client dealing desk. Kevin will remain a shareholder and Non-Executive Director.