Lydall, Inc. has announced that Joseph A. Abbruzzi has been named president, Lydall Thermal Acoustical Solutions, effective immediately. Abbruzzi replaces Scott M. Deakin, who is departing Lydall to pursue alternative opportunities. The company has initiated an external search to identify a new president for the Lydall Technical Nonwovens business segment.

Abbruzzi, who most recently served as president of Lydall’s Technical Nonwovens business, has a long history with both Thermal Acoustical Solutions and the automotive industry. From 2011 to 2014, Abbruzzi led the turnaround of the Thermal / Acoustical Fibers business segment, a segment that was combined with Thermal / Acoustical Metals in 2017 to create Lydall’s Thermal Acoustical Solutions business segment. Through his broad automotive and executive expertise, strong leadership style and focused application of Lean Six Sigma tools, the Thermal / Acoustical Fibers business was able to increase throughput, commercialize new products, and improve customer relationships. In 2014, Abbruzzi assumed the role of president, Technical Nonwovens, which was created through the acquisition of three major businesses. While overseeing Technical Nonwovens, he has been focusing on integrating these distinct businesses to one global team, with significant commercial and operational activities in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Dale G. Barnhart, president and CEO, says: “Joe’s demonstrated leadership in the automotive industry within Lydall and for decades before, combined with his global experiences while running the Technical Nonwovens business segment, make him the ideal person to lead the Thermal Acoustical Solutions business segment. These competencies will enable Joe to address the most critical opportunities the business is addressing.”

“I am very excited to be coming back to lead the Thermal Acoustical Solutions organization,” says Abbruzzi, “but will miss all the great people at Technical Nonwovens with whom I have had the pleasure of working over the years. Day one, my focus will be to continue the team’s efforts in improving our operational efficiencies and positioning us as a leader of highly engineered thermal and acoustical products to our global customers. By leveraging our deep materials and application expertise, global manufacturing capabilities, and exceptional employee base, together we will create value for customers and shareholders.”