An exceptional leader with a keen eye for evolving business strategy, Kevin Frank joined the AstenJohnson team as President and CEO in 2015. Formerly of Voith GMBH, where he served as President and CEO of Voith Hydro USA and Senior VP of Voith Paper FRS, Kevin brings with him a fresh perspective and proven ability to spearhead significant sales and market share growth.

A graduate of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, Kevin has completed Advanced Management Studies at UNH & Maastricht University. In 2012 he was named a White House Champion of Change for his work advancing economically advantageous and environmentally friendly approaches to clean energy.

Being asked to lead AstenJohnson is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. The needs of our customers are varied and demanding—we have a tremendous opportunity to be their fiercest advocates, exceed their expectations, and serve them in new, different ways.

Ron McKenna joined AstenJohnson in 1986 as Design Engineer and has held various positions in Plant Operations both starting up and managing several locations across North America. He also worked in Europe as Vice President - Project Management Office working on global Strategy. Most recently, he served as Vice President - Operations for the Paper Machine Clothing group in North America and is responsible for Capital Planning globally. 

Ron holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from Carleton University and has graduated from Harvard Business School GMP.

An AstenJohnson employee since 1989, Neil Johnson has held various positions within AstenJohnson, including Vice President, Group Business Leader – Specialty; Vice President, Group Business Leader – Specialty/Filaments; Director of Operations, Montreal Forming; and General Manager, Montreal Forming.

Neil holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing/Finance from McMaster University, as well as an MBA from the University of South Carolina.

Henry Johnson joined AstenJohnson in 1989, becoming a member of the Board of Directors in 2001. After starting his career in various technical marketing positions in North America, he ascended to key sales and operation leadership roles globally including Vice President - Marketing and Vice President - Europe.

Henry is a graduate of Carleton University and has taken executive courses at MIT and Darden. Henry also serves as a Director to the Nonwovens trade association, INDA.

Connie Wilson joined AstenJohnson in 1989. During her tenure she has held several leadership roles in HR at both site and regional levels. Most recently she served as Vice President of North American Inside Sales.

Connie holds a BS in Business Management from Clemson University, she has also earned the Chief HR Officer (CHRO) certification from the Wharton Business School.

Prior to joining AstenJohnson in November 2016, Steve Gray held various leadership positions at Hill-Rom and MeadWestvaco. Most recently, he served as the CFO of WestPoint Home, a manufacturer of home textile products based in New York City.

Steve’s significant experience in acquisitions, Lean Six Sigma, international operations, finance and strategy make him an ideal fit for this role.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, with a Major in Accounting from Indiana University. He is also a C.P.A.

Jim Gibson joined AstenJohnson as the company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in 2000, shortly after the merger between Asten and JWI Limited.

Jim oversees numerous legal matters such as corporate contracts, M&A, litigation and compliance. Prior to that, Jim served for 10 years in various legal leadership positions with Michelin,  AMP Incorporated [later purchased by Tyco Electronics], and a large full service law firm headquartered in Baltimore, MD. 

Jim received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.

Effective January 1, 2025, Marco Esper has been appointed President of PMC Eurasia at AstenJohnson, bringing 18 years of experience in the paper industry to this role. He is an accomplished business leader with extensive expertise in strategic management, financial leadership, and business development.

Throughout his career, Marco has specialized in driving profitability, fostering innovation, and cultivating high-performing teams. Recognized for his strengths in market expansion, operational efficiency, and relationship management, he consistently delivers sustainable business success in competitive markets. Marco holds an MSc (Diploma) in Processing and Process Engineering (Paper Technology) from TU Dresden.

His professional development includes advanced executive training through various Leadership Program and international Management Business School.

Marco combines technical expertise with leadership excellence to drive profitability and long-term organizational growth.