Full Name
Dr. Aleta Richards
Job Title
President
Company
Crane Currency
Speaker Bio
Aleta Richards joined Crane Currency as its President in October 2024. Crane Currency is a leading global provider of secure, durable and well-designed banknotes and innovative security features for more than 50 central banks around the world. Crane uses its advanced micro-optics technology to provide a comprehensive solution from design and papermaking all the way to final printing.
Previously, Aleta served as the Executive Vice President of Specialty Films, headquartered in Germany, that provides high-security technology solutions for passports, medical and other applications. Since joining Covestro (then part of Bayer) in 1990, Aleta held leadership positions in marketing, sales, product management and general management in multiple businesses: Polycarbonates, Polyurethanes, Coatings/Adhesives and Inorganic Basic Chemicals. She has also led Bayer’s regional HR service center, supporting 14,000 employees.
Focused on organizational culture, Aleta has sponsored Employee Resource Groups focused on African American and veteran employees. She has hosted leadership and cultural exploration sessions globally and plans to continue those sessions at Crane Currency. Aleta also supports employee development efforts as a Member of the Board of Matthews International, where she currently serves on the Governance & Sustainability and Audit Committees.
Aleta holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Georgia State University. Additionally, she holds an MBA in Marketing and International Business and a BSc in Communications and Human Resources from the University of Pittsburgh. A Pittsburgh native, she continues to support the Pittsburgh community and her passion for education with engagements with the Katz Graduate School of Business. Aleta also serves on the Board of Distinguished Visitors for Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.
In recognition of her efforts, Aleta has been recognized as a WeQual Awards’ EMEA Commercial Category Finalist (2024); Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America (2022 & 2024); and New Pittsburgh Courier’s Women of Excellence Award (2018).
Previously, Aleta served as the Executive Vice President of Specialty Films, headquartered in Germany, that provides high-security technology solutions for passports, medical and other applications. Since joining Covestro (then part of Bayer) in 1990, Aleta held leadership positions in marketing, sales, product management and general management in multiple businesses: Polycarbonates, Polyurethanes, Coatings/Adhesives and Inorganic Basic Chemicals. She has also led Bayer’s regional HR service center, supporting 14,000 employees.
Focused on organizational culture, Aleta has sponsored Employee Resource Groups focused on African American and veteran employees. She has hosted leadership and cultural exploration sessions globally and plans to continue those sessions at Crane Currency. Aleta also supports employee development efforts as a Member of the Board of Matthews International, where she currently serves on the Governance & Sustainability and Audit Committees.
Aleta holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Georgia State University. Additionally, she holds an MBA in Marketing and International Business and a BSc in Communications and Human Resources from the University of Pittsburgh. A Pittsburgh native, she continues to support the Pittsburgh community and her passion for education with engagements with the Katz Graduate School of Business. Aleta also serves on the Board of Distinguished Visitors for Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.
In recognition of her efforts, Aleta has been recognized as a WeQual Awards’ EMEA Commercial Category Finalist (2024); Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America (2022 & 2024); and New Pittsburgh Courier’s Women of Excellence Award (2018).
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