The NIOA Group has announced the appointment of leading United States-based executive Dan Olson to its Advisory Board.

Mr Olson, formerly the Vice President and General Manager of Northrop Grumman’s Weapon Systems Division, joins NIOA as a fulltime adviser with a focus on developing the company’s US strategy.

Experienced US executive Dan Olson has been appointed to the NIOA Group Advisory Board.

His appointment follows NIOA’s recent move into the US Army’s Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey and comes on the first anniversary of the company’s 100 per cent acquisition of Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms.

NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dan to our Advisory Board.

“As a strategically oriented executive with a proven record of delivering a broad spectrum of advanced military systems, products and services, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge to our Advisory Board that will complement our ambitions at both Picatinny and Barrett as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

“Dan’s leadership style and business acumen align with NIOA’s commitment to delivering outstanding results for our military and commercial customers around the world. We look forward to working with him.”

Mr Olson joins NIOA after a career spanning more than two decades with Northrop Grumman where he developed and led teams recognised for excellence in innovation, continuous business growth and creating longstanding customer relationships.

Most recently Mr Olson led Northrop’s Advanced Weapons Campaign, an enterprise-wide strategy for next-generation weapon systems including advanced high-speed strike missiles, tactical munitions, guided projectiles, missile components, and propulsion for the US and its allies.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics from Bethel University, Saint Paul, Minnesota and Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline Law School of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

“I’m excited to be joining NIOA and look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members, the senior leadership group and the team here in the US,” Mr Olson said.

“Throughout my career I have always endeavoured to deliver sustained growth through commitment to mission, values, investing in people and developing high-performing teams.

“This is a pivotal time for NIOA in its 50-year history and I am honoured to be appointed to the board to help the company on its growth trajectory.”

The NIOA Group’s other US-based Advisory Board members are former Commander Picatinny Arsenal, Brig. Gen. (Ret) Alfred Abramson and former US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Hon. Ellen Lord.

The NIOA Group board is chaired by former Australian Defence Minister the Hon. Christopher Pyne and also includes former Australian Government MP, Senator for Victoria and past Parliamentary Secretary of Defence, the Hon. David Feeney, former Australian Army soldier Mark Donaldson VC and Dr Ken Anderson, former Chief of the Aerospace Division in the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).

NIOA’s US team includes Doreen Chaplin, who was previously the First Assistant Program Executive Office Ammunition, Daniel Napolitano, who was previously Program Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (CAS) Director of International Programs and Ryan Krantz who joined NIOA last September from Vista Outdoor where he oversaw the outdoor giant’s stable of more than three dozen brands including Remington, Federal and Bushnell.

Vancouver, BC – Outdoor industry professional Kenny Ballard has been appointed Mustang Survival’s new President. Ballard takes over responsibilities from Juanita Killen, who stepped into the role of Interim President in 2023, leading the company through a challenging year of growth and evolution. Additionally, Lance Richardson, an expert in domestic manufacturing and efficiency, takes on the newly created role of VP, Manufacturing and Innovation for the Wing Group, Mustang Survival’s parent company.

Ballard brings a wealth of experience from previous executive roles with renowned brands, including Osprey, SwissGear, Wenger Outdoor, Kelty, and, most recently, his own successful consulting firm. Having once worked at Mad River Canoe, Ballard returns to his roots by re-immersing himself in the water sports industry.

Andrew Branagh, CEO of the Wing Group, expresses: “Kenny’s history of exceptional leadership across a diverse spectrum of outdoor businesses uniquely qualifies him as the ideal candidate for this pivotal role at Mustang Survival. Kenny has consistently worked across the retail sector and knows how to navigate the complexities of commercial and military operations.’

In response to his hiring, Kenny Ballard shared his excitement: “I’m ecstatic to be working with a brand that has a heritage of innovation, saving and protecting lives and enabling everyday marine adventures.” Ballard continues: “It brings me back to my water sports roots—some of my fondest memories and grandest adventures have been on and in the water. Sailing, paddling, and fishing: the Mustang brand DNA, product portfolio, and most importantly the global team are built around these activities, and I am excited to align business with my passions.”

Ballard will lead from the Mustang Waterlife Headquarters Vancouver, BC, which includes the local manufacturing facility. He’ll be overseeing the newly moved and expanded Jacksonville Florida plant, operations in Spencer, Virginia, and the overseas office in Salisbury, UK.

Lance Richardson will have his desk next to Ballard’s at the Vancouver headquarters so as not to miss a beat of the manufacturing processes. As an Arc’teryx and Herschel alumni, Richardson’s supply chain and manufacturing expertise will fold seamlessly into the needs of the Wing Group. He says: “I am excited to join the Wing Group, which, across its brands, has an incredible history and future in making purpose-built safety products for people who need and use them. It’s an honour to join the team and work to enable, protect, and save lives.”

Andrew Branagh adds: “I am thrilled to have Lance join the Wing Group on the corporate level to implement iterative efficiency process to manufacturing. We are starting the year strong by adding these two experienced professionals to the workforces of Mustang Survival and the Wing Group as we’re looking ahead to continue to serve our customers and consumers better with the best products available.”