The board of directors of Albany International has elected Erland Kailbourne chairman of the board. He replaces Frank Schmeler who retired as chairman after 44 years of service to the company.

Mr. Kailbourne has been a director of the company since 1999. He currently serves as chairman of the board of Financial Institutions and its Five Star Bank subsidiary. He retired as chairman and chief executive officer of Fleet National Bank’s New York region in 1998.

In other recent personnel changes at Albany International, John Standish will take on the new position of vice chairman. He has served as a director of the company since 2001 and was formerly employed by the company in a number of management roles. Thomas Beecher, Jr., who served the company as a director since 1969, has also retired from the board.