Covia Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Covia has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, and leadership.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Covia provides essential metal mining services, producing critical materials for diverse industries and supporting energy recovery through innovative proppant solutions.

Leadership Roles at Covia

  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Laura Riquelme
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Michael Biehl
  • Chief Operating Officer - Russell Montgomery
  • President - Toshihiko Kumashiro
  • Laura Riquelme - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Laura Riquelme, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Covia, manages the company's comprehensive financial strategy and operations. Riquelme oversees all fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust financial health for the metal mining services provider. This executive VP role involves critical analysis of market trends and economic factors impacting the production of nepheline syenite and quartz proppants. Laura Riquelme directs capital allocation, investment strategies, and risk management initiatives to support Covia's growth objectives. The Chief Financial Officer's purview extends to managing banking relationships and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. By maintaining stringent financial discipline, Riquelme strengthens Covia's capacity for innovation and operational expansion in the glass, ceramics, paints, plastics, and energy sectors.
    Laura Riquelme

    Michael Biehl - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Biehl, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Covia, directs the company's financial architecture and fiscal performance. Biehl's responsibilities include the strategic oversight of financial planning, accounting, and treasury functions, crucial for Covia's metal mining operations. This executive vice president role involves rigorous financial analysis to support the production of low-iron nepheline syenite and quartz proppants for diverse industrial applications. Michael Biehl drives initiatives aimed at optimizing financial resources and ensuring capital efficiency across the organization. The Chief Financial Officer's mandate encompasses managing investor relations and safeguarding the company's financial integrity. Through meticulous financial management, Biehl reinforces Covia's market standing and its commitment to sustainable resource provision.

    Russell Montgomery - Chief Operating Officer

    Russell Montgomery, the Chief Operating Officer at Covia, directs all operational facets of the company's metal mining services. Overseeing the production of low-iron nepheline syenite, Montgomery ensures consistent quality for glass, ceramics, paints, and plastics manufacturing. This leadership role also encompasses the strategic management of quartz proppant operations, vital for oil and natural gas simulation and recovery. Montgomery's focus remains on optimizing extraction processes and enhancing supply chain efficiency across all mining sites. By driving operational excellence, Russell Montgomery directly supports Covia's market position and its ability to deliver essential industrial minerals. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include implementing advanced mining technologies and ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental standards, thereby safeguarding long-term operational sustainability and resource management.
    Russell Montgomery

    Toshihiko Kumashiro - President

    Toshihiko Kumashiro, the President at Covia, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the company's metal mining services. Kumashiro guides the organization's vision, ensuring alignment with market demands for low-iron nepheline syenite and quartz proppants. This presidential role involves fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence across all business units. Toshihiko Kumashiro oversees key strategic partnerships and corporate development initiatives, driving Covia's expansion and market penetration. The President's focus includes enhancing the company's competitive advantage in supplying essential materials to the glass, ceramics, paints, plastics, and energy sectors. Kumashiro's leadership ensures Covia maintains its position as a premier provider of industrial minerals and energy recovery solutions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Covia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Covia?
    Covia is led by Laura Riquelme (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Michael Biehl (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Russell Montgomery (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Covia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Covia includes leaders such as Laura Riquelme (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Michael Biehl (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Russell Montgomery (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Covia have?
    Covia has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Covia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Covia includes roles such as Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.