Ben Muller brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to his new role overseeing INDA’s regional strategic initiatives, managing operations and representing INDA’s interests within the Americas.
Late last year, INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the search for a new executive director based at its headquarters in Cary, N.C. The leadership role, envisioned as part of the Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA) transition, plays an important part in advancing the mission of both INDA and GNA.
The search is over, and INDA recently confirmed the appointment of Ben Muller as executive director. He reports directly to Murat Dogru, GNA CEO. INDA President and CEO Tony Fragnito will shift into an executive consultant role in which he will support Muller in the leadership transition, and work on projects and initiatives related to operational integration and global outreach until his planned retirement at the end of 2027.
Muller brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience across nonprofit, corporate and trade association environments. Most recently, he served on the senior executive team of High Point Market Authority, where he led marketing, public relations and educational programming for the High Point Market — a large home furnishings trade show. Previously, Muller held senior brand and marketing positions with HanesBrands and Kayser-Roth, where he gained experience in textile and apparel supply chains. He began his career serving mission-driven organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
“I am honored to join INDA at such a pivotal moment for the industry,” Muller said in a recent press release announcing his appointment. “The formation of the Global Nonwovens Alliance represents a tremendous opportunity, and I look forward to learning from our members and advocating for them on every front.”
Muller recently answered five questions for International Fiber Journal about his professional background and the experiences that inform his new role.
IFJ: What attracted you to the nonwovens industry and INDA at this point in your career?
Muller: A few things stood out to me in particular — the fact that INDA is an established organization with a rich history of providing value to its members, in an industry that is large and provides so many products that make our lives easier and more comfortable, even if the general public is not necessarily aware of its scope! Additionally, being at the center of an industry along with the connections made while advancing a general cause is work that I have always enjoyed. I appreciated similar connection-building work in my past roles at the American Cancer Society and High Point Market Authority.
IFJ: Which aspects of your education or professional training have most influenced your approach to leadership?
Muller: The leaders that I have admired most in my life have been those who embody servant leadership. I think having the mindset of service is the right approach to most aspects of professional life: it gives the most value to an organization and its workforce, while also providing personal fulfillment.
IFJ: When you enter a new industry or organization, how do you approach learning and building trust?
Muller: I think being vulnerable, understanding and also communicating that you have a lot to learn is a key part of building trust and acceptance. I think one of the most undervalued skills when entering any position or industry is the ability to actively listen — a skill that, when practiced genuinely, sets you up for success down the road.
IFJ: What skills or areas of expertise do you believe you bring to INDA?
Muller: I come from a marketing and public relations background, so I believe that those skills are relevant for communicating as well as advancing our members’ priorities and addressing their needs. Additionally, I spent the last four years managing one of the largest trade shows in the world, so I hope to bring some insights into how to increase our members’ satisfaction and return on investment from all of INDA’s conferences and shows.
IFJ: What would you like INDA members and the broader textile community to know about you that they might not learn from your professional biography?
Muller: I’m currently doing my best impression of a volleyball player supporting my teenage daughter who has a passion for the sport, and I also have a love of gardening and cooking. I’ve won multiple ribbons for my veggies in past local fairs and hope to enter them into the N.C. State Fair here in Raleigh in the future!
