PR Contact: Aaron Oelger
pr@hodgdon.com
6430 Vista Drive
Shawnee, KS 66218
Phone: (913) 362-9455
Fax: (913) 362-1307

Press Release

September 3, 2025

Hodgdon® Names Mike Stock as President and CEO

Shawnee, KS — Hodgdon Powder Company, The Gunpowder People, proudly announces the appointment of Mike Stock as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Stock becomes only the fifth leader in the company’s distinguished 78-year history, succeeding Steve Kehrwald.

Stock brings more than two decades of leadership experience from Winchester Ammunition, where he served in diverse roles spanning Engineering, Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Operations. His career is marked by a proven ability to drive innovation, build strong brands, and deliver sustainable growth.

“Over the past eight years, Hodgdon has strengthened its position in the shooting sports industry through strategic acquisitions such as RCBS and Western Powders,” said shareholders Chris Hodgdon and Amy Hodgdon-Myer. “Mike’s vision, proven leadership, and customer-first mindset make him the ideal choice to guide Hodgdon into its next chapter. We are excited to welcome him and confident in his ability to build on our legacy while leading the company toward new opportunities.”

Stock expressed enthusiasm for his new role, noting his long-standing respect for Hodgdon’s heritage and people. “It is an honor to join the Hodgdon Powder Company family,” Stock said. “Hodgdon’s commitment to the handloading community is unmatched, and I look forward to working alongside this exceptional team to deliver an even more dynamic, customer-focused future.”

Kehrwald also expressed his appreciation to Sean Murphy and Kelly Bowen of Precise Recruiting Solutions for their instrumental role in the executive search. As Hodgdon’s retained search firm, Murphy and Bowen introduced Stock to the company and provided expert recruiting support throughout the process.

Kehrwald, who has led Hodgdon since 2017, will remain as an adviser through December 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. Upon his retirement, he will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of the company.

About Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc.

Established in 1947 by Bruce and Amy Hodgdon and sons J.B. and Bob, Hodgdon Powder Company is now the largest US consumer supplier of smokeless and blackpowder substitute propellants. The company markets propellants under its owned brands—Hodgdon®, IMR®, Ramshot®, Accurate®, Pyrodex®, Triple Seven®, and Blackhorn 209®—and under the licensed Winchester® brand. Hodgdon also owns RCBS® Reloading and licenses the Weaver® Mounts brand.

Learn more about the brands at these websites – www.HodgdonPowderCo.com and connect with Hodgdon on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.