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Albany International Names New CEO

Published Monday Jan 27, 2020

Albany International Corp. in Rochester announced its new president and CEO, A. William Higgins. He succeeds Olivier Jarrault, who resigned by mutual agreement with the board. Erkie E. Kailbourne, who currently serves as a director of Albany, will return to his role as chair of the board, succeeding Higgins. Jarrault will assist with the transition.

“We are grateful to Olivier for the important contribution he has made to our business," says Kailbourne. "Under his leadership, Albany has delivered impressive financial results, significantly advanced its productivity and operational capabilities and attracted first-class talent. The board and I are confident that Bill is the right person to build on this momentum. Bill is an industry veteran, with a proven track record of strong leadership, and deep knowledge of Albany’s operations.”

Higgins has held leadership positions at public companies, including as CEO and chair of CIRCOR International Inc. between 2008 and 2012. Prior to CIRCOR, he held senior management positions with Honeywell International and AlliedSignal. He has served on the Board of Albany since 2016 and as its chair since February 2019.

Higgins will be closely supported by business segment leaders Daniel Halftermeyer, president – Machine Clothing – and Greg Harwell, group president – Albany Engineered Composites, as well as CFO Stephen Nolan.

“I am excited to assume this role and will continue the progress we have made in driving operational excellence across the business under Olivier’s tenure," says Higgins. "We have an exceptional team at Albany, and I look forward to working closely with Daniel, Greg, Stephen and the other members of the senior management team as we execute our strategy to deliver great value to our customers and shareholders.”

“I am proud of what we have accomplished over the past two years with my Albany colleagues and to be leaving the company well-positioned to deliver on its strategic and operational objectives and for future growth," says Jarrault. "The board and I have agreed that this is the right time for new leadership at Albany, and I have every confidence that Albany will continue to grow and thrive under Bill and the senior management team.”

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