In order to strengthen its business operations and the role of innovations, Ahlstrom Corporation has announced the following changes in its Corporate Executive Team (CET) effective as from January 1, 2009. At the same time, Ahlstrom makes an adjustment in its business areas.

Business management

Tommi Björnman is appointed Senior Vice President of the Filtration business area. Björnman transfers to his new position from the role of Senior Vice President of the Glass Nonwovens business area, which he has held since 2001. Prior to that, he has held several managerial positions within the company.

Senior Vice President Randal Davis, who is currently responsible for the Filtration business area, has decided to pursue other career opportunities outside the company.

Laura Raitio is appointed Senior Vice President of the Glass and Industrial Nonwovens business area. Raitio is currently responsible for the Corporate Sales Network, Human Resources, Corporate Communications and Marketing. She has held several managerial positions in the company.

The Glass and Industrial Nonwovens business area will cover the previous Glass Nonwovens business area as well as industrial nonwovens products, which currently are part of the Advanced Nonwovens business area. Hence, the Advanced Nonwovens business area will cover the Food and Medical Nonwovens products.

Paul Marold, 47, B.Sc. (Eng.), is appointed Senior Vice President of the Advanced Nonwovens business area and a member of the CET. Paul Marold has lately been working as Vice President and General Manager of the Medical Nonwovens product line. He joined Ahlstrom in 1999.

Functional management

Senior Vice President Claudio Ermondi, who currently heads the Advanced Nonwovens business area, is appointed Senior Vice President, Innovations and Technology.

Senior Vice President Diego Borello, who currently leads the Innovations operations in addition to his other responsibilities, will focus on Purchasing and Sustainability.

The CET responsibilities for the functions of Human Resources, Sales, Communications and Marketing will be informed later.

Ahlstrom's CEO Risto Anttonen:

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed CET members and to thank Randal Davis for his valuable contribution for the company during the past years."

Ahlstrom in brief

Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fiber expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom's 6,500 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2007, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.8 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.