Albany International Corp. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed A. William Higgins as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 20, to succeed Olivier Jarrault, who has resigned by mutual agreement with the Board. Erkie E. Kailbourne, who currently serves as a Director of Albany, will return to his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Mr. Higgins.

Mr. Jarrault will assist with the transition. Mr. Higgins, 61, brings a wealth of industry experience to his new role. He has held a wide range of leadership positions at public companies, including as CEO and Chairman of CIRCOR International Inc. between 2008 and 2012.

Prior to joining CIRCOR, he held a variety of senior management positions with Honeywell International and AlliedSignal. Mr. 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 Chief Financial Officer Stephen Nolan.