Maggie Bidlingmaier is President and Chief Executive Officer of AstenJohnson, bringing extensive strategic, commercial, and operational leadership experience across global manufacturing businesses.

Prior to joining AstenJohnson, Maggie served as Executive Vice President and President, Americas at Graphic Packaging International. She previously held senior leadership positions at INVISTA and Avery Dennison, where she led growth and innovation initiatives across materials, fibers, specialty products, and packaging-related markets.

Throughout her career, Maggie has built a strong track record of translating market insights into customer value, aligning organizations around strategic priorities, and driving sustainable growth through innovation and disciplined execution.

Maggie holds an MBA from Cornell University and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin. She also completed the Executive Development Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

I believe great businesses start with a deep understanding of their customers, a clear strategy, and talented people empowered to execute. Bringing those elements together will allow us to build on AstenJohnson’s strengths, accelerate growth, and take the company to the next level.

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.

Chad Martin joined AstenJohnson in 2012 and currently serves as President of Paper Machine Clothing for North America. He brings 30 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry, with deep technical, commercial, and operational leadership. During his tenure at AstenJohnson, Chad has held several senior leadership roles, including Vice President – Marketing NA PMC, Regional Business Leader, Tissue Business Leader, Product Business Leader – Forming, and Global Innovation Leader – Forming.

He is responsible for driving profitable growth, developing teams, and aligning strategy across sales, marketing, manufacturing, and product development.  He holds nine U.S. patents and has developed and scaled multiple major product portfolios.

Chad sits on the Board of Directors for the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maine.

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.

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.

Keith Kemp joined AstenJohnson in 2001 after 17 years in paper and pulp manufacturing leadership. He supported multiple major rebuilds and greenfield startups, including two state-of-the-art paper machines. Since joining AstenJohnson, Keith has held a series of leadership roles across Paper Machine Clothing and Advanced Fabrics, including Vice President positions in North America PMC Marketing, Strategic Business Development, Regional Sales, and most recently Global Sales for Advanced Fabrics.

Keith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and has completed multiple executive education programs at Harvard Business School. He also serves on the Board of the Association of Suppliers to the Paper Industry (ASPI) and has held numerous leadership roles with TAPPI, the Technical Association for the Pulp & Paper Industry.

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.

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.