Austin Powder Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Austin Powder has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and regional leadership.

Driven by a legacy of innovation, Austin Powder is dedicated to providing essential blasting services and commercial explosives through expert manufacturing, shaping industries with reliable chemical solutions.

Leadership Roles at Austin Powder

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - John Rathbun
  • Chief Financial Officer Latín América - Martin Adame
  • Chief Operating Officer Africa - Neil Kernahan
  • President (Asia) - Nigel Convey
  • President, MidSouth LLC - Chip Davis
  • President, Western (Canada) - Jaret Nault
  • President, CIL Avalanche - Braden Schmidt
  • President, Mid-Atlantic & Southeast LLC - Ross Ellis
  • Senior President, Llc Central & Southwest (South) - Kurt Kutscher
  • President, Great Lakes LLC - Wayne Proctor
  • John Rathbun - President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Rathbun, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Austin Powder, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Rathbun guides the global enterprise, ensuring alignment with the core mission of providing high-quality blasting services and commercial explosives. This leadership role involves overseeing all major business units and fostering a culture of safety and innovation. Rathbun's strategic direction ensures Austin Powder maintains its market leadership in chemical manufacturing for explosives. By focusing on sustainable growth and operational excellence, John Rathbun drives the company's long-term success and market impact across all regions.

    Martin Adame - Chief Financial Officer Latín América

    Martin Adame, the Chief Financial Officer Latín América at Austin Powder, manages all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the Latin American region. Adame oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal health and compliance with regional regulations. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance and identifying growth opportunities within the Latin American market for explosives and blasting services. Adame's expertise supports the company's expansion and operational efficiency in this key geographic area. Through diligent financial oversight, Martin Adame ensures the sustained profitability and strategic resource allocation for Austin Powder's Latin American endeavors.

    Neil Kernahan - Chief Operating Officer Africa

    Neil Kernahan, the Chief Operating Officer Africa at Austin Powder, directs all operational activities and strategic initiatives across the African continent. Kernahan is responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, supply chain logistics, and service delivery for commercial explosives and blasting solutions. This leadership position involves ensuring operational efficiency, safety standards, and market responsiveness throughout Africa. Kernahan's focus on operational excellence drives the company's presence and effectiveness in diverse African markets. By managing complex regional operations, Neil Kernahan ensures Austin Powder's continued success and expansion in Africa.
    Neil Kernahan

    Nigel Convey - President (Asia)

    Nigel Convey, the President (Asia) at Austin Powder, leads the company's strategic direction and operational management throughout the Asian market. Convey oversees all business functions, focusing on expanding market share and enhancing service delivery for explosives and blasting materials. This executive role involves navigating diverse regional economies and regulatory landscapes to drive growth. Convey's leadership ensures Austin Powder effectively serves its clients across Asia with reliable chemical manufacturing and blasting services. Through strategic oversight, Nigel Convey strengthens Austin Powder's position and operational capabilities within the dynamic Asian market.

    Chip Davis - President, MidSouth LLC

    Chip Davis, the President, MidSouth LLC at Austin Powder, spearheads the strategic growth and operational management for the MidSouth region. Davis directs all aspects of the business, including manufacturing, sales, and service delivery of commercial explosives and blasting solutions. This leadership role focuses on optimizing regional performance and ensuring client satisfaction. Davis's expertise drives market penetration and operational efficiency within the MidSouth territory. By managing key regional operations, Chip Davis ensures Austin Powder's continued success and expansion in this vital area.

    Jaret Nault - President, Western (Canada)

    Jaret Nault, the President, Western (Canada) at Austin Powder, commands the strategic direction and operational execution for the Western Canadian market. Nault oversees all business activities, focusing on the manufacturing and distribution of commercial explosives and blasting services. This executive position involves driving regional growth, ensuring safety protocols, and maintaining strong client relationships across Western Canada. Nault's leadership is pivotal in adapting Austin Powder's offerings to meet specific regional demands. Through dedicated management, Jaret Nault ensures operational excellence and market leadership for Austin Powder in Western Canada.
    Jaret Nault

    Braden Schmidt - President, CIL Avalanche

    Braden Schmidt, the President, CIL Avalanche at Austin Powder, directs the strategic vision and operational management for the CIL Avalanche division. Schmidt oversees the development and deployment of specialized blasting solutions and commercial explosives, ensuring product innovation and market competitiveness. This leadership role focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and expanding the division's reach. Schmidt's expertise is crucial for maintaining Austin Powder's technological edge in the explosives industry. By leading the CIL Avalanche team, Braden Schmidt drives significant contributions to the company's overall product portfolio and market presence.
    Braden Schmidt

    Ross Ellis - President, Mid-Atlantic & Southeast LLC

    Ross Ellis, the President, Mid-Atlantic & Southeast LLC at Austin Powder, leads strategic initiatives and operational oversight for these key U.S. regions. Ellis manages the full spectrum of business operations, including the manufacturing and delivery of commercial explosives and blasting services. This executive position emphasizes driving regional growth, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards, and fostering robust client partnerships. Ellis's leadership is instrumental in adapting Austin Powder's services to meet the unique demands of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets. Through focused management, Ross Ellis ensures operational excellence and market leadership for Austin Powder in these territories.

    Kurt Kutscher - Senior President, Llc Central & Southwest (South)

    Kurt Kutscher, the Senior President, Llc Central & Southwest (South) at Austin Powder, guides the strategic direction and operational execution across the Central and Southwest regions of the United States. Kutscher oversees all business functions, focusing on the manufacturing and distribution of commercial explosives and blasting services to meet diverse industry needs. This senior leadership role involves driving regional growth, ensuring the highest safety standards, and cultivating strong customer relationships. Kutscher's strategic insights are vital for maintaining Austin Powder's competitive edge in these significant markets. By leading these critical operations, Kurt Kutscher ensures sustained success and market dominance for Austin Powder.

    Wayne Proctor - President, Great Lakes LLC

    Wayne Proctor, the President, Great Lakes LLC at Austin Powder, directs the strategic growth and operational management for the Great Lakes region. Proctor oversees all business activities, including the manufacturing and delivery of commercial explosives and blasting services, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. This leadership role focuses on optimizing regional performance and expanding market reach. Proctor's expertise drives market penetration and operational excellence within the Great Lakes territory. By managing key regional operations, Wayne Proctor ensures Austin Powder's continued success and expansion in this important area.
    Wayne Proctor

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Austin Powder Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Austin Powder?
    Austin Powder is led by John Rathbun (President & 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 (President & 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 President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer Latín América, Chief Operating Officer Africa, President (Asia), President, MidSouth LLC.