Albany International Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Albany International has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, human resources, technology, and business unit operations.

Driven by innovation, Albany International is a global producer of custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts, essential for manufacturing all paper grades and impacting industries worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Albany International

  • Chief Executive Officer - Joseph Morone
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gunnar Kleveland
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - William Higgins
  • President, Albany Engineered Composites - Ralph Polumbo
  • President- Machine Clothing - Merle Stein
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Suzanne Purdum
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer - Robert Hansen
  • Joseph Morone - Chief Executive Officer

    Joseph Morone, the Chief Executive Officer at Albany International, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Morone guides the enterprise in its mission to produce custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts, critical components for all paper manufacturing grades. This leadership role involves setting long-term objectives and ensuring the company's sustained growth and market position within the global engineered fabrics sector. The Chief Executive Officer's oversight extends to fostering innovation and maintaining the high standards of quality Albany International is known for. Joseph Morone's strategic direction ensures the company remains a leader in its specialized manufacturing niche, driving value for stakeholders through robust operational management and forward-thinking business development.

    Gunnar Kleveland - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gunnar Kleveland, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Albany International, spearheads the company's comprehensive strategic initiatives and operational frameworks. Kleveland drives the global production of custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts, essential for the manufacturing of all paper grades, from lightweight paper to heavyweight container board. This executive leadership position involves defining corporate objectives, optimizing global operations, and ensuring the company's competitive edge in the engineered fabrics market. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technological advancement across all business units. Gunnar Kleveland's leadership ensures Albany International consistently delivers high-performance products and maintains its reputation as a premier supplier in the paper machine clothing industry.
    Gunnar Kleveland

    William Higgins - President & Chief Executive Officer

    William Higgins, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Albany International, commands the company's overarching strategic direction and operational execution. Higgins is responsible for guiding the global enterprise in its production of specialized engineered fabrics and process belts, vital for the manufacturing of all paper grades. This executive role encompasses setting the company's long-term vision, driving financial performance, and ensuring operational excellence across all divisions. The President & Chief Executive Officer's focus includes enhancing market share and fostering innovation within the paper machine clothing sector. William Higgins' leadership ensures Albany International maintains its position as a key global supplier, delivering critical components that support the worldwide paper manufacturing industry and its diverse product needs.

    Ralph Polumbo - President, Albany Engineered Composites

    Ralph Polumbo, the President, Albany Engineered Composites at Albany International, directs the strategic operations and business development for the engineered composites division. Polumbo oversees the specialized production of advanced composite materials, contributing to the company's broader portfolio of engineered fabrics. This leadership position involves driving innovation, managing operational efficiency, and expanding market reach for composite solutions. The President, Albany Engineered Composites' focus includes fostering cross-functional collaboration and ensuring the division's alignment with Albany International's overall corporate objectives. Ralph Polumbo's leadership ensures the Albany Engineered Composites segment remains at the forefront of material science, delivering high-performance solutions that meet demanding industry requirements and support the company's growth trajectory.

    Merle Stein - President- Machine Clothing

    Merle Stein, the President- Machine Clothing at Albany International, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's core machine clothing business. Stein oversees the global manufacturing and supply of custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts, essential for all paper machine operations. This executive role involves driving product innovation, optimizing production processes, and ensuring the highest quality standards for paper machine clothing. The President- Machine Clothing's responsibilities include managing customer relationships and expanding market penetration within the paper manufacturing industry. Merle Stein's leadership ensures Albany International's continued dominance in providing critical consumable fabrics that enhance efficiency and product quality for paper producers worldwide.
    Merle Stein

    Suzanne Purdum - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Suzanne Purdum, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Albany International, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Purdum oversees the cultivation of a skilled workforce essential for the company's global production of custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts. This leadership function involves developing talent acquisition programs, implementing comprehensive employee relations policies, and fostering a positive and productive work environment across all operational sites. The Chief Human Resources Officer's scope includes ensuring compliance with labor laws and promoting professional growth opportunities for all employees. Suzanne Purdum's strategic approach to human resources supports Albany International's mission by empowering its people to drive innovation and operational excellence in the manufacturing of paper machine clothing.

    Robert Hansen - Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

    Robert Hansen, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Albany International, architects the company's technological advancements and innovation pipeline. Hansen leads the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies that enhance the production of custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts, crucial for all paper manufacturing grades. This senior leadership role involves overseeing research and development, driving product innovation, and ensuring the technological superiority of Albany International's paper machine clothing offerings. The Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities extend to integrating new technologies that improve manufacturing efficiency and product performance. Robert Hansen's technical vision propels Albany International forward, solidifying its position as an industry leader through continuous technological evolution and superior product design.
    Robert Hansen

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Albany International Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Albany International?
    Albany International is led by Joseph Morone (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gunnar Kleveland (President & Chief Executive Officer) and William Higgins (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Albany International’s executive team?
    The executive team of Albany International includes leaders such as Joseph Morone (Chief Executive Officer), Gunnar Kleveland (President & Chief Executive Officer), William Higgins (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Albany International have?
    Albany International has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Albany International’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Albany International includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President, Albany Engineered Composites, President- Machine Clothing.