Ahlstrom, Finland, will further simplify its business structure for faster execution and leaner alignment of operations. The new structure will be effective Jan. 1, 2016.

Ahlstrom's business structure will be organized into two business areas: Filtration and Performance and Specialties. The Filtration & Performance business area will include the engine and industrial filtration, industrial nonwovens, wallcoverings, building, and wind businesses. The Specialties business area will consist of food packaging, masking tape, medical, and advanced filtration businesses. The business areas will have responsibility for sales and market development, technical and customer service, product development, and operations.

"The changes in operational and management structure will bring further focus in serving our customers and markets. I am confident that the streamlined business model will bring further efficiency and clarity to all of our operations," said Marco Levi, president and CEO.

As a result of the new business structure, the following appointments have been made: Fulvio Capussotti has been appointed EVP, Filtration & Performance; Omar Hoek EVP, Specialties; and Jari Koikkalainen EVP, Procurement & Commercial Excellence.

The executive management team members—Sakari Ahdekivi, CFO; Ulla Bono, EVP, Legal and General Counsel; and Päivi Leskinen EVP, Human Resources—will continue in their current positions.

The appointments will be effective Jan. 1, 2016. All EMT members will report to Levi.

Ahlstrom's two business areas—Filtration & Performance and Specialties—will form the new financial reporting segments of the company, effective Jan. 1, 2016. The company plans to publish restated financial segment information before publishing its January-March 2016 interim report on April 28, 2016.