A new chapter of innovation: Marco Esper leads AstenJohnson into the future of paper machine clothing in Eurasia Jill Chang, Marketing Leader Asia, André Hüttner, VP PMC & Product Management, Eurasia

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
A new chapter of innovation: Marco Esper leads AstenJohnson into the future of paper machine clothing in Eurasia
Jill Chang, Marketing Leader, Asia, AstenJohnson
André Hüttner, VP PMC & Product Management, Eurasia, AstenJohnson
INTRODUCTION:
In a time of dynamic transformation within the global pulp and paper industry, innovation and strategic foresight have never been
more vital. At AstenJohnson, a recognized global leader in Paper Machine Clothing (PMC), that leadership comes in the form of Marco
Esper — a seasoned industry executive who brings deep technical expertise, a passion for papermaking, and a clear vision for the future of
Eurasia’s operations.
Figure 1: For Marco Esper, joining AstenJohnson was more than a career move — it was a return to the essence of papermaking.
On January 1, 2025, Marco Esper officially stepped into his
role as President of Eurasia for AstenJohnson. With a resume that
spans continents and a lifelong connection to the paper industry,
Esper is poised to guide AstenJohnson through its next phase
of growth — one driven by innovation, safety, and sustainable
performance. In an exclusive conversation, he shared insights into
the company’s strategic trajectory, breakthrough technologies, and
his approach to leadership.
Rooted in Papermaking, Focused on Performance
For Marco Esper, joining AstenJohnson was more than a
career move — it was a return to the essence of papermaking.
“I’m a passionate papermaker at heart,” he says, his
enthusiasm evident. “When I saw AstenJohnson’s vision —
Partnering with customers to maximize performance — I felt an
immediate connection. I knew I could bring this to life in ways that
matter.”
Esper’s background supports that belief. The son of a
papermaker, he earned a degree in Processing and Process
Engineering (Paper Technology) from the Technical University of
Dresden, later rising to executive roles in Germany, China, and
beyond. Most notably, he served as a Management Board Member
of the Voith Paper Group Division and CEO of the Heimbach
Group. Now at AstenJohnson, Esper brings this global leadership
experience to a company with a powerful legacy and clear ambition
for the future.
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