Meet Our Team

Executive Management Team

Jon Nix

President, Chief Executive Officer & Director
Co-CEO Aster Resources, LLC (a wholly owned Global Trading Company and Platform)

Jon Nix, Active Resources’ founder, has proven executive leadership experience in the mining industry. Mr. Nix is a fourth-generation coal miner. Jon founded Xinergy Corp. (XRG) in 2008, a former Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) listed Central Appalachian metallurgical and thermal coal producer where he served as CEO and Chairman through May 2012. Prior to Xinergy Corp., Jon was the Founder, CEO and Chairman of Nasdaq listed National Coal Corporation (NCOC), from 2001, through 2005. Mr. Nix holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The University of Tennessee.

Brett Young

Chief Financial Officer 

Brett Young is formerly a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of J&R Falcon and has over 20 years of investing experience in renewable investing and commodity based industries, including serving as a Principal and Board Member. Brett was formerly Managing Director of Business Development for Globe Specialty Metals located in New York (currently Ferroglobe PLC) leading the Company’s efforts to acquire and develop global resource projects and ventures including mining projects, alternative energy and renewable power projects. Brett was a Senior Vice President at Plainfield Asset Management located in Greenwich, CT from 2005-2009 focusing primarily on Energy, Power and Renewable Investments. Brett served as a director for Smart Papers, LLC, Greenwood Fuels LLC and Wolverine Tube Inc. and was a member of Wolverines’s audit committee. Brett was Senior Vice President at Royal Bank of Canada Capital Markets in Greenwich, CT from 2001-2004. Brett received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas.

Cesar Canali

Co-CEO Aster Resources, LLC

Cesar Canali was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of Argentem Trade Services, a specialized trade and commodity finance company focused on the metals and minerals sector. Argentem Trade Services operates in close affiliation with Argentem Creek Partners, a global investment firm with offices in the United States and United Kingdom. With over 25 years of experience spanning financial services and the commodities sector, Mr. Canali brings deep expertise in commodities, structured trade, emerging markets, and cross-border transactions. His career includes leadership and senior roles at leading institutions, including Sucden, Cargill, Jefferies, MF Global, and Mizuho Corporate Bank. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Canali is an active technology investor and a frequent guest speaker, contributing insights to global industry forums and publications. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish and is based in New York City. Mr. Canali holds an MBA in Management and Finance from Business School São Paulo (BSP), a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade and Business from Unisinos, and has completed executive education at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

    Bobby Gaylor

    EVP Investor Relations

    Bobby Gaylor served as Executive Vice President of Xinergy Ltd. from April 2013 to September 2015. Prior to Xinergy, Mr. Gaylor served as Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Miller Energy Resources and then as Executive Vice President of M&D and A&D for Miller Energy. Prior to Miller Energy, Bobby was Partner and Senior Vice President at TrustFirst, Inc. in Knoxville, TN. Bobby previously held Series 6, 7, 63, 65 & 66 Securities Licenses. A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Bobby was a two-time All-SEC infielder before being drafted by the Montreal Expos. Bobby has served as the President of the 4,000 member UT Letterman’s Club as well as serving several years on the UT Athletics Board.

    Robert Freeman

    Corporate Controller

    Robert Freeman has served with Active Resources as Controller since April 2022. Mr. Freeman has extensive experience in the public accounting, project management and significant roles in financial leadership. Robert has managed all aspects of financial operations and collaborates with senior management to enhance operational efficiency. Robert is a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Robert is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.