Austin Powder Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Austin Powder has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, regional operations, and human capital management.

Focused on delivering high-performance blasting solutions, Austin Powder maintains a commitment to safety and innovation while manufacturing essential commercial explosives for global industrial applications.

Leadership Roles at Austin Powder

  • Chief Executive Officer - Michael Gleason
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Lamar Duhon
  • Chief Financial Officer - Randy Khalaf
  • Chief Financial Officer Latín América - Martin Adame
  • Chief Operating Officer Africa - Neil Kernahan
  • President, Apl Central (Canada) - John Newton
  • President (Southeast LLC) - Brad Splitt
  • President (Asia) - Nigel Convey
  • President, MidSouth LLC - Chip Davis
  • Chief People Officer - Bryan Richardson
  • Michael Gleason - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Gleason, the Chief Executive Officer at Austin Powder, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Gleason manages the alignment of manufacturing capabilities with the evolving demands of the global mining and construction sectors. By prioritizing safety protocols and operational excellence, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the company maintains its competitive edge in the commercial explosives market. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine long-term growth objectives and capital allocation strategies. Michael Gleason drives the integration of advanced blasting technologies across all business units to enhance client productivity. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance and risk management, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the enterprise. Ultimately, Gleason fosters a culture of technical precision and reliability, ensuring that the organization meets the complex requirements of industrial clients worldwide while upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance.

    Lamar Duhon - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Lamar Duhon, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Austin Powder, executes the primary business strategy for the entire manufacturing portfolio. Duhon oversees the expansion of blasting services, ensuring that the company delivers consistent value to industrial partners. By coordinating cross-functional teams, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the supply chain for explosive materials and related chemical components. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of market trends to anticipate shifts in the global mining landscape. Lamar Duhon drives the implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices, which reduces environmental impact while increasing production efficiency. Through direct engagement with key stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains strong relationships that support long-term revenue growth. Ultimately, Duhon ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of the explosives industry by championing innovation and maintaining a relentless focus on operational safety and technical superiority across all international markets.
    Lamar Duhon

    Randy Khalaf - Chief Financial Officer

    Randy Khalaf, the Chief Financial Officer at Austin Powder, directs the financial health and fiscal planning of the organization. Khalaf manages capital budgeting, financial reporting, and treasury operations to support the manufacturing of commercial explosives. By analyzing market data and cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains profitability while investing in new blasting technologies. This leadership role involves close coordination with the executive team to evaluate potential acquisitions and infrastructure investments. Randy Khalaf drives the development of robust financial models that guide the company through volatile economic cycles. Through meticulous oversight of internal controls and audit processes, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the firm. Ultimately, Khalaf secures the financial resources necessary for the company to expand its global footprint, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the provision of high-quality blasting services and explosive materials.

    Martin Adame - Chief Financial Officer Latín América

    Martin Adame, the Chief Financial Officer Latín América at Austin Powder, directs the financial strategy and fiscal operations for the Latin American region. Adame manages regional budgeting, tax compliance, and currency risk management to support the distribution of commercial explosives. By monitoring local economic indicators, the Chief Financial Officer Latín América ensures that the company maintains a stable financial position despite regional market fluctuations. This leadership role involves coordinating with local management to optimize operational costs and improve profit margins. Martin Adame drives the integration of financial systems that align with the global corporate standards of the firm. Through rigorous analysis of regional performance metrics, the Chief Financial Officer Latín América supports the expansion of blasting services into new mining territories. Ultimately, Adame secures the financial foundation required for the company to sustain its growth and operational excellence across the complex and diverse markets of Latin America.

    Neil Kernahan - Chief Operating Officer Africa

    Neil Kernahan, the Chief Operating Officer Africa at Austin Powder, directs all blasting service operations across the African continent. Kernahan manages the deployment of commercial explosives and technical support teams to ensure project success for mining clients. By overseeing regional logistics and supply chain integrity, the Chief Operating Officer Africa ensures that materials reach remote sites safely and efficiently. This leadership role involves adapting global safety standards to the unique regulatory and environmental conditions found within the region. Neil Kernahan drives the growth of the company's market share by building strong partnerships with local industrial operators. Through the implementation of advanced blasting techniques, the Chief Operating Officer Africa improves the extraction efficiency for clients. Ultimately, Kernahan ensures that the regional operations remain profitable and compliant, reinforcing the reputation of the company as a premier provider of explosive solutions throughout the diverse African market.
    Neil Kernahan

    John Newton - President, Apl Central (Canada)

    John Newton, the President, Apl Central (Canada) at Austin Powder, directs the operational activities and market expansion within the Canadian region. Newton manages the delivery of blasting services and the distribution of commercial explosives to major mining and infrastructure projects. By overseeing regional safety compliance and technical support, the President, Apl Central (Canada) ensures that all operations meet the rigorous standards of the company. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with local industrial clients to understand specific project requirements. John Newton drives the adoption of innovative blasting solutions that improve efficiency for Canadian mining operations. Through the management of regional logistics and supply chains, the President, Apl Central (Canada) ensures the timely availability of explosive materials. Ultimately, Newton secures the market position of the company in Canada by focusing on operational reliability, technical excellence, and the consistent delivery of high-performance blasting products.

    Brad Splitt - President (Southeast LLC)

    Brad Splitt, the President (Southeast LLC) at Austin Powder, directs the regional operations and business development for the southeastern United States. Splitt manages the provision of blasting services and the supply of commercial explosives to regional construction and mining clients. By overseeing the local workforce and equipment maintenance, the President (Southeast LLC) ensures that all blasting projects are executed with maximum safety and precision. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and expanding the client base within the region. Brad Splitt drives the implementation of regional safety protocols that align with the broader corporate mission of the firm. Through the coordination of local logistics, the President (Southeast LLC) ensures that explosive materials are delivered according to strict project timelines. Ultimately, Splitt strengthens the regional presence of the company by maintaining high standards of service and fostering long-term partnerships with key industrial stakeholders in the Southeast.
    Brad Splitt

    Nigel Convey - President (Asia)

    Nigel Convey, the President (Asia) at Austin Powder, directs the strategic growth and operational management across the Asian market. Convey manages the introduction of commercial explosives and blasting services to diverse industrial sectors in the region. By overseeing regional regulatory compliance and safety standards, the President (Asia) ensures that all operations align with the global reputation of the company. This leadership role involves navigating complex market dynamics and building partnerships with local mining enterprises. Nigel Convey drives the expansion of the company's footprint by tailoring blasting solutions to the specific geological and operational needs of Asian clients. Through the management of regional supply chains, the President (Asia) ensures the consistent availability of high-quality explosive products. Ultimately, Convey secures the competitive advantage of the firm in Asia by focusing on technical innovation, operational efficiency, and the delivery of reliable blasting services that support the growth of regional industrial infrastructure.

    Chip Davis - President, MidSouth LLC

    Chip Davis, the President, MidSouth LLC at Austin Powder, directs the operational strategy and service delivery for the MidSouth region. Davis manages the deployment of blasting services and the distribution of commercial explosives to support regional mining and quarrying operations. By overseeing the regional team and ensuring adherence to safety protocols, the President, MidSouth LLC maintains the high operational standards of the company. This leadership role involves engaging with local clients to provide customized blasting solutions that improve extraction efficiency. Chip Davis drives the growth of the regional business by identifying new opportunities in the construction and mining sectors. Through the management of local logistics and inventory, the President, MidSouth LLC ensures that clients receive the necessary materials on time. Ultimately, Davis strengthens the market position of the company in the MidSouth by focusing on technical expertise, reliable service, and the consistent application of safety-first principles in all blasting activities.

    Bryan Richardson - Chief People Officer

    Bryan Richardson, the Chief People Officer at Austin Powder, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Richardson manages talent acquisition, employee training, and performance management systems to support the specialized workforce required for manufacturing explosives. By fostering a culture of safety and professional growth, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains top-tier industry talent. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and benefits programs that align with the competitive landscape of the chemical and manufacturing sectors. Bryan Richardson drives the implementation of diversity and inclusion programs that strengthen the global workforce. Through the development of leadership pipelines, the Chief People Officer prepares the organization for future challenges. Ultimately, Richardson ensures that the company maintains a highly skilled and motivated team, which is essential for delivering the technical expertise and safety standards that define the brand in the global explosives market.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Austin Powder Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Austin Powder?
    Austin Powder is led by Michael Gleason (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lamar Duhon (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Randy Khalaf (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Austin Powder’s executive team?
    The executive team of Austin Powder includes leaders such as Michael Gleason (Chief Executive Officer), Lamar Duhon (President & Chief Executive Officer), Randy Khalaf (Chief Financial Officer) 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer Latín América, Chief Operating Officer Africa.