BLASTONE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- GLOBAL MARKETING DIRECTOR
Gavin, who commenced his journey with BlastOne in November 2004, has risen through the ranks to become the Global Marketing Director. With over 20 years of experience in the corrosion control industry, he has diversified his expertise across multiple roles including Warehouse, Accounts Payable, Financial Controller, Purchasing, Customer Service, Area Manager, Inside Sales Manager, and Marketing Manager.
As a NACE Coating Inspector Level 1 certified professional, Gavin possesses a deep understanding of the standards and best practices in the coatings industry. His mission as the Global Marketing Director is to guide clients towards the most cost-effective and high-quality surface preparation and coating solutions, with a focus on reducing waste, dust, and environmental impact. Gavin collaborates with a global team of experts and partners, dedicated to offering innovative and tailored products and services across various industrial sectors, including pipelines, refineries, chemical plants, power plants, bridges, and shipyards. His passion for corrosion control and commitment to client support and collaboration are key to his success in this role.
Job Titles:
- GLOBAL TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
A member of BlastOne since December 1990, Graeme now leads as the Director of Technology and Innovation. His career, starting in Blastech/Technicote, has seen him excel in various roles, including Salesman and Director. Currently, he is pivotal in resolving technical challenges and driving product innovation.
Under his direction, BlastOne has become a leading provider in the Asia-Pacific for industrial blasting and surface preparation, known for its innovative and high-performing products. Graeme specializes in developing cost-effective blasting solutions that improve industrial finishes and productivity. He has been instrumental in creating BlastOne's product line, notably the GMA Garnet abrasives, enhancing the company's market position.
Graeme's strategic leadership is crucial in keeping BlastOne at the industry's forefront, ensuring the delivery of top-quality products and services and maintaining the company's commitment to excellence globally.
Grant Stubbs, a seasoned professional with over 5 years at BlastOne International, assumed the role of Vice President for APAC in June 2023. His career at BlastOne is marked by a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to excellence. Before joining BlastOne, Grant served as the General Manager of Large Power Solutions at Energy Power Systems Australia, where he honed his leadership and strategic management skills.
Grant is an alumnus of the Melbourne Business School, holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and having completed the Leadership Development Program. He also has a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Certificate of Management from Deakin University. Additionally, he has completed the Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
His educational background and diverse experience provide a strong foundation for his role in leading BlastOne's APAC operations, focusing on innovation, growth, and strategic leadership.
Greg DiFrank joined BlastOne International in January 2022, bringing his expertise as the Vice President and General Manager of BlastOne Industrial Solutions (BIS). Greg is a seasoned engineering executive with a strong background in engineering, construction, and technology. His philosophy centers around the power of persistence and determination, values he believes are key to success in any field. With a career dedicated to engineering and technology, Greg has a passion for design, programming, consulting, and construction. He excels in building client relationships and growing businesses, and is skilled in leading change processes to keep companies aligned with evolving market needs. Greg's strengths include team recruitment and leadership, fostering a positive culture, and establishing core values and goals to align actions with purpose. His client-centric approach and international experience have enabled him to contribute significantly to projects across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Power, Cement, Grain, and Food. Greg's leadership is focused on meeting the needs of stakeholders by building organizations that deliver superior service and results, providing a nurturing environment for employees, and ensuring a profitable return for owners.
Job Titles:
- GM & VP CONTRACTOR DIVISION
Jacob Sondergaard, who started at BlastOne International in September 2022 as VP of the BPS Division, is known for his leadership in Sales, Product Development, and Innovation. With a rich background in international business, he has successfully driven growth and profitability across diverse global markets. His expertise includes international B2B sales, operational restructuring, and creating competitive business models.
Jacob is passionate about maximizing profitability, achieving operational excellence, and transforming teams into high-value assets. He is an active LinkedIn member, keen on sharing insights in executive leadership and strategy development, and is open to networking and collaborative opportunities.
Job Titles:
- EXECUTIVE VP - GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
Jim Gooden has been an integral part of BlastOne International since 1989, starting his career straight out of school in what was then a burgeoning family business. Over the past 30+ years, Jim has gained extensive experience across various departments within the company. Now, as the Global Business Development Director based in the Columbus office, he plays a pivotal role in expanding the US contractor business. His responsibilities include developing growth strategies, engaging with senior industry figures, and coaching and developing sales teams and systems.
Jim's journey with BlastOne reflects the company's nearly 50-year history as a specialist consultant and supplier in the protective coating and corrosion control industry. His expertise contributes significantly to BlastOne's reputation for offering knowledgeable technical advice and cost-effective solutions in surface preparation and coating. Focusing on heavy industry and marine sectors, Jim's leadership extends to various industries, including pipelines, refineries, chemical plants, and more.
With a global presence spanning the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, Jim's role in business development is crucial in upholding BlastOne's commitment to delivering exceptional advice, products, and services worldwide.
Mark joined BlastOne International in January 2018 as the CFO for Asia Pacific and has since ascended to the role of Global CFO. With extensive senior management experience in high-growth and business transformation environments, Mark's expertise spans various industries including aviation, engineering, manufacturing, communications, and technology, both in Australia and internationally. His experience encompasses a range of business scenarios such as start-ups, restructures, turnarounds, and mergers & acquisitions.
Mark specializes in areas critical to financial leadership: Financial Planning & Analysis, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Reporting, and Cash Management. His proficiency extends to working capital management, budgeting, forecasting, strategy development, and execution. Additionally, he is adept in corporate governance, ERP management, risk management, and business process improvement. As a Chartered Accountant with the ICAEW, Mark combines his financial acumen with robust change management skills, making him an invaluable asset in guiding BlastOne's financial strategy and global expansion.
Matthew Rowland has been steering the helm at BlastOne International since October 2017, initially as CEO of the Asia-Pacific region and now as the Global CEO. His leadership is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring that team performance consistently surpasses the high expectations of BlastOne's discerning clientele.
Matthew brings to the table a wealth of international experience in business and general management, having contributed significantly to multinational organizations across diverse sectors like dairy, mining, food & beverage, chemicals, and water treatment. His rich background includes senior executive positions at Orica Watercare in Australia and the USA, and Orica Chemnet in New Zealand, testament to his versatile and dynamic leadership capabilities.
The General Manager in Innovation and R&D at BlastOne International brings over 20 years of experience in GM Operations and Finance, with a background in the Aviation, Manufacturing, and Consulting sectors. Known for an energetic and commercially focused leadership style, this leader excels in innovation and driving business improvement and change. Proficient in financial and project management, they have strong analytical skills and a proven ability to develop and implement strategies for business growth and achieving organizational objectives. Since joining BlastOne International 5 years and 10 months ago, they have held pivotal roles including General Manager Industrial Solutions and currently, Innovation Director. In these positions, they have led the Industrial Solutions division, overseeing operational and financial performance, developing new business opportunities, and managing customer engagement. Their expertise in overseeing product design, sourcing, and solution delivery has been instrumental in the division's success. Their leadership is marked by skills in negotiation, team management, change management, and a keen commercial and financial acumen, making them a vital asset to BlastOne International in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
With a legacy spanning over four decades, the founder of BlastOne International has been a pivotal figure in shaping the company into a global knowledge leader and innovative supplier in the Protective & Marine Coatings Industry. Since joining the company in 1981, he has played a multitude of roles, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business from the ground up.
His journey with BlastOne has seen him evolve from the General Manager of Blastmaster Australia to the Global CEO, a position he held with distinction from 2010 until 2020. Currently serving as an Advisor in the Columbus, Ohio office, he continues to drive the company's commitment to developing faster, safer, and cleaner technologies for Surface Preparation and Industrial Coating Applications. His enduring vision and expertise are integral to BlastOne's ongoing success and industry leadership.