Ahlstrom has appointed Niklas Beyes as chief financial officer and Wolfgang Laures as chief operating officer. Both will also become members of Ahlstrom’s executive management team.

Beyes is appointed chief financial officer (CFO), and a member of Ahlstrom’s executive management team as of September 15, 2023. Current CFO Jorn P Jensen will leave Ahlstrom on September 15 to pursue new opportunities outside the company.

Beyes has extensive experience in leading finance organisations and transformations in industrial companies, including Brose Group, FTE automotive, and SKF. He has an exceptional track record of building financial capabilities in both private equity and corporate environments through inspirational leadership and by building strong and empowered teams.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join Ahlstrom, as the company stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability, its diverse workforce, and global focus. I look forward to supporting Ahlstrom on its path towards sustainable profitable growth together with my team,” said Beyes.

“I’m happy to welcome Niklas to Ahlstrom. He brings with him broad experience that will help us to further strengthen our finance capabilities and support us on our transformation journey to become the leading sustainable specialty materials company,” said Helen Mets, president and CEO of Ahlstrom.

“I would like to thank  Jensen  for his contributions as CFO during his time at Ahlstrom. I wish him the best of luck for the future,” Mets continued.

Wolfgang Laures is appointed as chief operating officer (COO) and a member of Ahlstrom’s executive management team as of October 1, 2023. Current COO Markus Westerkamp will continue within Ahlstrom as advisor to the president & CEO.

Laures has extensive experience in global supply chain and operations within the materials industry, including Avery Dennison, Perstorp Group, and most recently in Glatfelter. In addition to his background in supply chain and operations, he brings with him strong experience for example in driving growth and digitalisation in different areas, the company said in a press release.

“Laures has a strong background in leading operational excellence, global supply chain and safety, and he will support Ahlstrom’s plants and their leaders in our continuous improvement journey, supporting Ahlstrom on our growth transformation. Markus has done an outstanding job as COO in building the foundations of the function and the organisation. His comprehensive and longstanding experience at Ahlstrom is an asset,” added Mets.

“I am honoured to join Ahlstrom, a company with a long, distinguished history of developing diversified, sustainable, market-leading specialty products. I want to thank Helen for her confidence in me, and I am very much looking forward to working with the Ahlstrom team to continue to live its values and strengthen its position as global leader in sustainable fibre-based specialty materials,” said Laures.