Feb 10 (Reuters) - British autocatalyst maker Johnson

Matthey ( JMPLF ) said on Monday that it appointed Richard Pike,

packaging firm DS Smith's ( DITHF ) group finance director, as its chief

financial officer and that Chairman Patrick Thomas will be

stepping down from his role.

The management shuffle comes after the company's largest

shareholder, Standard Investments, called on Johnson Matthey ( JMPLF )

last December to conduct a strategic review of its operations

and overhaul its board.

Johnson Matthey ( JMPLF ), which manufactures catalytic converters

and pollution filters for cars, said Pike will succeed Stephen

Oxley from April. It added that Chairman Thomas will be stepping

down following the company's annual general meeting in July.