Albany International Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Albany International is dedicated to producing custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts that are essential for paper manufacturing, impacting global markets with essential consumable products.

Leadership Roles at Albany International

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

    Joseph Morone, the Chief Executive Officer at Albany International, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global operations. Morone's leadership ensures the company's continued success in producing custom-designed engineered fabrics and process belts, critical components for all paper grades. This executive guides the company's vision, focusing on market expansion and operational excellence across its diverse business units. The strategic direction set by Joseph Morone underpins the company's ability to serve a wide range of paper manufacturing needs, from lightweight paper to heavyweight container board, reinforcing Albany International's position as a key global producer. Morone's executive oversight drives the company's commitment to innovation and sustainable growth within the manufacturing sector.

    William Higgins - President & Chief Executive Officer

    William Higgins, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Albany International, spearheads the company's strategic initiatives and operational execution. Higgins' leadership focuses on driving growth and enhancing the company's global presence in the engineered fabrics market. This executive is responsible for the overall performance and direction of Albany International, ensuring alignment with its mission to produce high-quality paper machine clothing. The strategic decisions made by William Higgins are crucial for maintaining the company's competitive edge in supplying essential consumable fabrics for paper manufacturing worldwide. Higgins' role involves fostering innovation and operational efficiency across all segments of the business, solidifying Albany International's reputation for reliability and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

    Gunnar Kleveland - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gunnar Kleveland, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Albany International, directs the company's comprehensive strategic vision and operational framework. Kleveland's leadership is pivotal in advancing Albany International's position as a premier global producer of engineered fabrics and process belts. This executive guides the company's commitment to delivering essential paper machine clothing, supporting the manufacturing of all paper grades. The strategic direction established by Gunnar Kleveland ensures sustained growth and innovation across the organization's diverse product lines. Kleveland's executive oversight is instrumental in maintaining operational excellence and expanding market reach, reinforcing the company's critical role in the global paper industry supply chain.
    Gunnar Kleveland

    Merle Stein - President- Machine Clothing

    Merle Stein, the President- Machine Clothing at Albany International, directs the strategic operations and market performance of the company's core paper machine clothing division. Stein's leadership ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality, custom-designed engineered fabrics essential for paper manufacturing processes. This executive oversees the production, sales, and innovation within this critical business segment, focusing on meeting the diverse needs of paper producers globally. The operational strategies implemented by Merle Stein are vital for maintaining Albany International's reputation for reliability and product excellence in supplying consumable fabrics for all paper grades. Stein's executive focus drives efficiency and market responsiveness, solidifying the division's contribution to the company's overall success.
    Merle Stein

    Ralph Polumbo - President, Albany Engineered Composites

    Ralph Polumbo, the President, Albany Engineered Composites at Albany International, spearheads the strategic growth and operational excellence of the advanced composites division. Polumbo's leadership focuses on developing and delivering innovative engineered fabric solutions for specialized applications beyond traditional paper manufacturing. This executive drives the division's market penetration and technological advancement, ensuring Albany International's diversified product portfolio. The strategic direction set by Ralph Polumbo is crucial for expanding the company's reach into new industries and applications requiring high-performance composite materials. Polumbo's executive oversight fosters innovation and operational efficiency, reinforcing the division's contribution to Albany International's overall market leadership and technological capabilities.

    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's leadership drives the development of cutting-edge engineered fabrics and process belts, enhancing the performance and efficiency of paper manufacturing operations. This executive oversees research and development initiatives, ensuring Albany International remains at the forefront of material science and manufacturing technology. The strategic technological roadmap established by Robert Hansen supports the creation of advanced paper machine clothing, crucial for producing diverse paper grades. Hansen's focus on technological superiority directly contributes to the company's ability to meet evolving market demands and maintain its competitive advantage in the global engineered fabrics sector.
    Robert Hansen

    Suzanne Purdum - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Suzanne Purdum, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Albany International, shapes the company's talent strategy and cultivates a high-performance organizational culture. Purdum's leadership focuses on attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce essential for Albany International's success in producing engineered fabrics and process belts. This executive oversees all human capital initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company's operational goals and commitment to employee well-being. The strategic HR framework developed by Suzanne Purdum supports the company's global operations, fostering an environment where innovation in paper machine clothing can thrive. Purdum's dedication to people development is critical for driving the company's mission and reinforcing its position as a leader in the manufacturing industry.

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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 William Higgins (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Gunnar Kleveland (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), William Higgins (President & Chief Executive Officer), Gunnar Kleveland (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- Machine Clothing, President, Albany Engineered Composites.