John H. Austin, Jr.

John H. Austin, Jr. is the President and CEO of iMask Intelligence, a full-service private investigative and business intelligence firm.

Prior to founding iMask Intelligence, Austin spent over 25 years as a decorated federal agent in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). As a DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, he led complex cases targeting the command and control of transnational criminal enterprises with national security implications. He also led investigations into financial crimes, corruption and global drug trafficking cases, all requiring intensive intelligence-gathering oversight, and successfully investigated various aspects of domestic and international crime. 

As President of iMask Intelligence, Austin sets the strategic vision for all of the firm’s services, including global due diligence investigations, cyber security and reputation online management. iMask clients range from high-net-worth individuals and boutique law and recruitment firms to real estate developers, bioscience companies, venture capitalists, investors and universities. 

Austin holds Master’s degrees in Management (London School of Economics), Advanced Management and Finance (Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs) and Criminal Justice (John Jay College of Criminal Justice). He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Temple University. 

Austin is a member of multiple organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations, Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he serves on the Advisory Committee on Cultural Engagement (ACCE). He sits on the Advisory Board of Crisis Text Line, and is an alumnus of the Geneva Center for Security Policy – Executive in Residence Program.