Austin Powder Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Austin Powder has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and regional market development.

Committed to excellence in industrial blasting, Austin Powder delivers high-performance commercial explosives and specialized services to global mining and construction sectors while maintaining a legacy of safety and technical innovation.

Leadership Roles at Austin Powder

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Rathbun
  • Chief Financial Officer Latín América - Martin Adame
  • Chief Operating Officer Africa - Neil Kernahan
  • President - Mark Dawson
  • President, Southeast LLC - Brad Splitt
  • President, Powder Appalachia Llc (Austin) - Herman DeProspero
  • President, Western (Canada) - Jaret Nault
  • President, Cil Avalanche Ltd - Braden Schmidt
  • President of Latin America - Pablo Manfredi
  • President, MidSouth LLC - Chip Davis
  • John Rathbun - Chief Executive Officer

    John Rathbun, the Chief Executive Officer at Austin Powder, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the global manufacturing footprint, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the production of commercial explosives meets rigorous safety and quality standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to drive sustainable growth across international markets. By aligning operational capabilities with evolving industry demands, John Rathbun optimizes the company's competitive position in the chemical manufacturing sector. Rathbun maintains a focus on technological advancement, ensuring that the firm remains a leader in blasting services. Through disciplined resource allocation and strategic planning, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and operational integrity of the entire enterprise, fostering a culture of excellence that permeates every level of the organization.

    Martin Adame - Chief Financial Officer Latín América

    Martin Adame, the Chief Financial Officer Latín América at Austin Powder, manages the fiscal health and economic strategy for operations across the Latin American region. Overseeing complex financial reporting and capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer Latín América ensures that regional business units maintain profitability while adhering to strict regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves mitigating currency risks and optimizing cost structures to support the expansion of blasting services in emerging markets. By implementing robust financial controls, Martin Adame directly impacts the efficiency of regional supply chains and manufacturing output. Adame collaborates with executive leadership to align regional fiscal goals with the broader corporate mission. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer Latín América drives sustainable economic growth, ensuring that the company possesses the necessary capital to maintain its market-leading position in the specialized explosives industry.

    Neil Kernahan - Chief Operating Officer Africa

    Neil Kernahan, the Chief Operating Officer Africa at Austin Powder, directs all operational activities and service delivery across the African continent. Overseeing the deployment of commercial explosives and blasting solutions, the Chief Operating Officer Africa ensures that regional projects meet client specifications while upholding the highest safety protocols. This leadership role involves managing logistics, supply chain integrity, and technical support teams to maximize operational uptime for mining partners. By streamlining field operations, Neil Kernahan enhances the company's footprint in challenging geographic environments. Kernahan coordinates with global leadership to integrate best practices into local workflows, driving efficiency and performance. Through the consistent application of technical expertise, the Chief Operating Officer Africa secures long-term contracts and strengthens the firm's reputation as a reliable provider of high-performance blasting materials throughout the region.
    Neil Kernahan

    Mark Dawson - President

    Mark Dawson, the President at Austin Powder, oversees the execution of corporate initiatives and the management of core business functions. Directing the integration of manufacturing processes with market-facing service delivery, the President ensures that the company maintains its status as a premier provider of commercial explosives. This leadership role involves fostering cross-departmental collaboration to improve product efficacy and customer satisfaction. By analyzing market trends and operational data, Mark Dawson identifies opportunities for process improvement and strategic expansion. Dawson works closely with other senior leaders to align departmental goals with the overarching mission of the organization. Through the implementation of rigorous performance metrics, the President drives operational excellence and ensures that the company remains agile in a competitive industry. Ultimately, Dawson secures the firm's commitment to safety and innovation in every blasting project undertaken.

    Brad Splitt - President, Southeast LLC

    Brad Splitt, the President, Southeast LLC at Austin Powder, manages all blasting services and explosive distribution within the Southeastern United States. Overseeing regional sales teams and technical field staff, the President, Southeast LLC ensures that clients receive tailored solutions for mining and infrastructure projects. This leadership role involves optimizing local supply chains to guarantee the timely delivery of high-quality powder products. By building strong relationships with regional stakeholders, Brad Splitt expands the company's market share and reinforces its reputation for reliability. Splitt coordinates with corporate leadership to implement safety standards that exceed industry requirements. Through the strategic management of regional assets, the President, Southeast LLC drives revenue growth and operational efficiency. Splitt maintains a focus on technical excellence, ensuring that every blasting operation in the territory adheres to the company's long-standing commitment to safety and precision.
    Brad Splitt

    Herman DeProspero - President, Powder Appalachia Llc (Austin)

    Herman DeProspero, the President, Powder Appalachia Llc (Austin) at Austin Powder, directs the manufacturing and distribution of explosives throughout the Appalachian region. Overseeing the specialized needs of the local mining industry, the President, Powder Appalachia Llc (Austin) ensures that blasting services are delivered with maximum efficiency and safety. This leadership role involves managing regional inventory and technical support teams to address the unique geological challenges of the area. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, Herman DeProspero optimizes the deployment of commercial explosives to meet the specific demands of regional clients. DeProspero collaborates with corporate headquarters to align regional output with broader company objectives. Through the consistent application of safety protocols and technical expertise, the President, Powder Appalachia Llc (Austin) secures the company's dominant position in the regional market, driving both operational success and long-term client loyalty.

    Jaret Nault - President, Western (Canada)

    Jaret Nault, the President, Western (Canada) at Austin Powder, manages the strategic operations and service delivery for the Western Canadian market. Overseeing the distribution of commercial explosives and the execution of complex blasting projects, the President, Western (Canada) ensures that regional operations meet the rigorous demands of the mining and construction sectors. This leadership role involves navigating the unique regulatory and environmental landscape of the region to maintain operational continuity. By optimizing logistics and technical support, Jaret Nault enhances the company's service capabilities across vast territories. Nault coordinates with global leadership to ensure that regional practices align with the firm's core mission of safety and innovation. Through the effective management of local teams, the President, Western (Canada) drives growth and strengthens the company's competitive advantage in the Canadian market, ensuring consistent performance and client satisfaction.
    Jaret Nault

    Braden Schmidt - President, Cil Avalanche Ltd

    Braden Schmidt, the President, Cil Avalanche Ltd at Austin Powder, directs the specialized operations focused on avalanche control and safety services. Overseeing the application of explosive technology in high-altitude environments, the President, Cil Avalanche Ltd ensures that critical infrastructure and public safety are maintained through precise blasting techniques. This leadership role involves managing specialized teams and technical equipment to mitigate avalanche risks effectively. By integrating advanced explosive solutions with safety-first methodologies, Braden Schmidt protects vital transportation corridors and mountain communities. Schmidt collaborates with regional authorities and corporate leadership to refine operational strategies and expand the reach of these specialized services. Through the diligent application of technical expertise, the President, Cil Avalanche Ltd drives the company's mission of safety, ensuring that every project contributes to the overall protection of assets and lives in challenging mountainous terrain.
    Braden Schmidt

    Pablo Manfredi - President of Latin America

    Pablo Manfredi, the President of Latin America at Austin Powder, oversees the strategic direction and operational growth of the company across the Latin American region. Directing the expansion of blasting services and the distribution of commercial explosives, the President of Latin America ensures that regional business units achieve high performance and operational excellence. This leadership role involves managing cross-border logistics and fostering relationships with key mining and industrial partners. By adapting global strategies to local market nuances, Pablo Manfredi drives sustainable growth and increases the company's market share. Manfredi coordinates with the executive team to ensure that regional operations adhere to the firm's global standards for safety and quality. Through the effective management of regional resources, the President of Latin America secures the company's long-term success, positioning the firm as a leader in the regional explosives industry.

    Chip Davis - President, MidSouth LLC

    Chip Davis, the President, MidSouth LLC at Austin Powder, manages the operational delivery of blasting services and explosive products throughout the MidSouth region. Overseeing regional sales, technical support, and distribution networks, the President, MidSouth LLC ensures that clients receive reliable and efficient solutions for their mining and construction needs. This leadership role involves optimizing local supply chains and maintaining strict compliance with safety regulations. By focusing on customer-centric service, Chip Davis strengthens the company's presence in the region and drives consistent revenue growth. Davis collaborates with corporate leadership to implement best practices and innovative blasting techniques that enhance project outcomes. Through the strategic management of regional assets, the President, MidSouth LLC secures the company's reputation for excellence, ensuring that every operation meets the highest standards of safety and technical precision required by the industry.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Austin Powder Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Austin Powder?
    Austin Powder is led by John Rathbun (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Martin Adame (Chief Financial Officer Latín América) and Neil Kernahan (Chief Operating Officer Africa).
    Who is part of Austin Powder’s executive team?
    The executive team of Austin Powder includes leaders such as John Rathbun (Chief Executive Officer), Martin Adame (Chief Financial Officer Latín América), Neil Kernahan (Chief Operating Officer Africa) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Austin Powder have?
    Austin Powder has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Austin Powder’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Austin Powder includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer Latín América, Chief Operating Officer Africa, President, President, Southeast LLC.