Albany International announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Merle Stein as President of its Machine Clothing business segment and elected him an officer of the company, effective September 1.
Stein succeeds Daniel Halftermeyer, who has stepped down from the position to focus his time and energies on the continued integration of the Heimbach acquisition and the successful transition to Stein.
Stein, 47, has considerable experience in the paper and pulp industries and significant knowledge of the Machine Clothing business and a strategic understanding of the markets it serves. He comes to the role with considerably broad leadership experiences, particularly in operational and customer-facing operations.
Since April 2024, Stein has served as Division Chief Operating Officer for the business segment where he oversaw all operational aspects of the business and led the Sales & Marketing, Operations, Procurement and Human Resources functions. Prior to that, since 2022 he was the Vice President Sales & Marketing/Applications for Americas, after having served in various other sales and marketing leadership roles since joining Albany International in 2011, including Vice President Sales MC - North America, Regional Business Director and Sales & Service Engineer.
Prior to joining Albany International, Stein managed papermaking operations at Essity's green field papermill in Alabama where he had risen to the position of Papermill Manager following roles as a process engineer and machine superintendent.
Stein holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, both from Auburn University.
Gunnar Kleveland, President and CEO of Albany International, said, "I am happy to have Merle join our senior leadership team and take over the reins of the Machine Clothing business. He has broad industry experience and an intimate knowledge of our Machine Clothing business and its customers. This experience and knowledge will be a competitive advantage, ensuring that the business will remain the industry leader while pursuing its strategic goals."
Kleveland continued, "At the same time, I want to recognize Daniel for his 37 years of wide-reaching and impactful service to Albany International and thank him for his continued dedication to the success of the company by implementing this succession plan. I am confident that he will continue to drive the Heimbach integration plan while assisting Merle in the transition."
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