Astec Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Astec has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, infrastructure, and materials solutions.

Driven by a commitment to building connections, Astec designs and manufactures essential equipment for infrastructure development, impacting communities globally through innovation and a unified brand experience.

Leadership Roles at Astec

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jaco van der Merwe
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brian Harris
  • Regional Chief Financial Officer - Leonardo Silva De Paulo
  • Group President, Infrastructure - Steven Claude
  • Group President, Infrastructure Solutions - Chad Hartley
  • Group President, Materials Solutions - Michael Norris
  • Jaco van der Merwe - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jaco van der Merwe, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Astec, directs the company's overarching strategy and global operations. This leadership role involves guiding Astec's mission to build infrastructure that connects communities worldwide. Van der Merwe oversees the integration of sixteen distinct brands under a unified corporate identity, ensuring a streamlined customer experience and enhanced service delivery across all divisions. The focus remains on driving innovation and technological advancement within the infrastructure development sector. This executive's purview encompasses the strategic direction for equipment used in road construction, materials processing, and various building applications. Jaco van der Merwe ensures Astec maintains its strong international presence, leveraging manufacturing facilities and distribution networks across multiple continents to achieve its business objectives and expand market reach. The strategic vision set by the President & Chief Executive Officer is critical for Astec's continued growth and impact in the global infrastructure market.

    Brian Harris - Chief Financial Officer

    Brian Harris, the Chief Financial Officer at Astec, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This executive oversees all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with global financial regulations. Harris plays a critical part in capital allocation, investment strategies, and driving profitability across Astec's diverse business units. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing financial risks and optimizing financial performance to support the company's growth objectives. Brian Harris works closely with other executive leaders to align financial strategies with the company's mission of building infrastructure that connects communities. This role is essential for maintaining Astec's strong international presence and supporting its manufacturing and distribution networks across continents. The financial acumen provided by Brian Harris is fundamental to Astec's operational efficiency and its ability to fund innovation in infrastructure development.

    Leonardo Silva De Paulo - Regional Chief Financial Officer

    Leonardo Silva De Paulo, the Regional Chief Financial Officer at Astec, directs financial operations within specific geographic territories, ensuring alignment with global financial strategies. This executive manages regional budgeting, financial analysis, and compliance, adapting corporate financial policies to local market conditions. Silva De Paulo's role is crucial for optimizing financial performance across Astec's operations in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. The Regional Chief Financial Officer supports strategic decision-making by providing detailed financial insights relevant to each region's unique market dynamics. Leonardo Silva De Paulo collaborates with local leadership teams to enhance service delivery and customer experience, particularly concerning the unified brand identity. This position is vital for Astec's international presence, supporting its extensive manufacturing facilities and distribution networks. The financial oversight provided by Leonardo Silva De Paulo is key to Astec's sustained growth and its commitment to innovation in infrastructure development.

    Steven Claude - Group President, Infrastructure

    Steven Claude, the Group President, Infrastructure at Astec, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's infrastructure-focused business units. This executive oversees the design, manufacturing, and delivery of equipment essential for building and maintaining global infrastructure. Claude's responsibilities include driving innovation in road construction and materials processing technologies, ensuring Astec's offerings meet the evolving needs of the market. The Group President, Infrastructure works to enhance customer experience by unifying brand messaging and service delivery across related divisions. Steven Claude ensures that the infrastructure solutions provided by Astec contribute directly to connecting communities worldwide. This leadership position is critical for maintaining Astec's strong international presence and optimizing its manufacturing and distribution networks across multiple continents. The strategic guidance from Steven Claude is fundamental to Astec's mission of advancing infrastructure development.

    Chad Hartley - Group President, Infrastructure Solutions

    Chad Hartley, the Group President, Infrastructure Solutions at Astec, spearheads the development and delivery of comprehensive solutions for infrastructure projects. This executive focuses on integrating Astec's diverse product portfolio to provide customers with seamless building and construction equipment offerings. Hartley oversees market strategy and operational efficiency for solutions that support road construction, materials processing, and other critical infrastructure applications. The Group President, Infrastructure Solutions drives customer engagement by ensuring a unified brand experience and superior service delivery across all touchpoints. Chad Hartley's leadership is instrumental in advancing Astec's mission to build infrastructure that connects communities globally. This role is vital for leveraging Astec's international presence and optimizing its manufacturing and distribution capabilities across continents. The strategic vision of Chad Hartley ensures Astec remains at the forefront of innovation in infrastructure development.

    Michael Norris - Group President, Materials Solutions

    Michael Norris, the Group President, Materials Solutions at Astec, directs the strategic vision and operational performance for the company's materials processing equipment divisions. This executive oversees the innovation, manufacturing, and distribution of advanced solutions used in aggregate, asphalt, and concrete production. Norris is responsible for enhancing the customer experience through the unified Astec brand, ensuring seamless service delivery and support for materials processing applications. The Group President, Materials Solutions plays a key role in driving technological advancements that improve efficiency and sustainability in materials production. Michael Norris ensures that Astec's materials solutions contribute to building robust infrastructure worldwide. This leadership position is critical for maintaining Astec's strong international footprint and optimizing its global manufacturing and distribution networks. The strategic focus of Michael Norris is essential for Astec's continued leadership in the materials solutions sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Astec Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Astec?
    Astec is led by Jaco van der Merwe (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Brian Harris (Chief Financial Officer) and Leonardo Silva De Paulo (Regional Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Astec’s executive team?
    The executive team of Astec includes leaders such as Jaco van der Merwe (President & Chief Executive Officer), Brian Harris (Chief Financial Officer), Leonardo Silva De Paulo (Regional Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Astec have?
    Astec has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Astec’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Astec includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Regional Chief Financial Officer, Group President, Infrastructure, Group President, Infrastructure Solutions.