Albany International Executive and Leadership Team

Gunnar Kleveland, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Albany International, directs the company's overarching strategy and global operations. Overseeing all business units, Gunnar Kleveland ensures alignment with the company's mission to produce custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts. This leadership role involves driving innovation in paper machine clothing, a critical consumable for all paper grades. By focusing on operational efficiency and market expansion, Gunnar Kleveland guides Albany International's impact on the global paper manufacturing industry. The executive's strategic vision supports the continuous development of products essential for producing everything from lightweight paper to heavyweight container board, solidifying the company's position as a key supplier.

William Higgins, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Albany International, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational execution. Guiding the enterprise, William Higgins ensures the effective delivery of custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts, vital components for paper production. This executive's purview encompasses optimizing the manufacturing of paper machine clothing, a consumable essential for diverse paper grades. By championing advancements in material science and production methodologies, William Higgins drives the company's commitment to serving the global paper industry. The leadership focus involves enhancing product performance and expanding market reach, thereby reinforcing Albany International's role in manufacturing everything from lightweight paper to robust container board.

Merle Stein, the President- Machine Clothing at Albany International, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's core product line. Overseeing the development, manufacturing, and distribution of paper machine clothing, Merle Stein ensures the delivery of high-performance engineered fabrics and process belts. This executive's focus involves optimizing production processes to meet the diverse needs of the global paper industry, supporting the creation of all paper grades. By driving efficiency and product innovation within the Machine Clothing division, Merle Stein reinforces Albany International's commitment to providing essential consumables. The leadership ensures these specialized products consistently meet the demands for producing everything from lightweight paper to robust container board.

Robert Hansen, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Albany International, architects the company's technological advancements and innovation pipeline. Overseeing research and development, Robert Hansen drives the creation of next-generation engineered fabrics and process belts crucial for paper manufacturing. This role involves translating cutting-edge material science into practical solutions for paper machine clothing, enhancing the production of all paper grades. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Robert Hansen ensures Albany International maintains its technological edge in the global market. The executive's focus on innovation directly supports the company's ability to produce specialized consumables for everything from lightweight paper to heavy container board, solidifying its leadership in the industry.

Suzanne Purdum, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Albany International, directs the company's talent strategy and organizational development. Overseeing all human capital initiatives, Suzanne Purdum cultivates a high-performance culture essential for producing specialized engineered fabrics and process belts. This leadership position involves ensuring the workforce possesses the expertise required for manufacturing advanced paper machine clothing. By championing employee engagement and professional growth, Suzanne Purdum supports Albany International's operational excellence across its global footprint. The executive's focus on human resources directly contributes to the company's capacity to innovate and deliver critical consumables for the paper industry, impacting the production of all paper grades.