Duravant Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Duravant has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, information technology, and global market expansion.

Focused on delivering highly engineered automation solutions, Duravant drives operational excellence across the food processing, packaging, and material handling sectors to ensure superior performance for global industrial clients.

Leadership Roles at Duravant

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jill Evanko
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nicholas Negro
  • Group President, Emerging Markets - Petros Diamantides
  • President, Foodmate (US) - Kurt Huelsman
  • Group President, Industrial Automation - Raman Joshi
  • Group President, Food Sorting & Handling Solutions - Jack Lee
  • Chief Information Officer - Richard Richardson
  • Managing Director - Paul Heskens
  • Jill Evanko - Chief Executive Officer

    Jill Evanko, the Chief Executive Officer at Duravant, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global growth initiatives for the organization. Evanko architects the long-term vision for the company, ensuring that the design and assembly of mission-critical automation equipment remain at the forefront of industry standards. By aligning the diverse business units with the core mission of providing advanced packaging and food processing solutions, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation and operational efficiency. Jill Evanko maintains close collaboration with the Board to drive shareholder value and expand the company's footprint across international markets. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and strategic acquisitions, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the competitive position of the firm within the e-commerce and agriculture sectors. This leadership role demands constant focus on market trends and technological advancements to maintain the company's status as a premier provider of engineered automation systems.
    Jill Evanko

    Nicholas Negro - Chief Financial Officer

    Nicholas Negro, the Chief Financial Officer at Duravant, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Negro directs all accounting, financial planning, and analysis functions to support the company's expansion in the packaging and food processing industries. By overseeing capital structure and investment decisions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources remain allocated toward high-growth automation projects and mission-critical equipment development. Nicholas Negro collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new market entries and strategic acquisitions. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous internal controls and reporting standards to provide transparency for stakeholders. Through the optimization of financial processes, the Chief Financial Officer drives cost efficiencies and supports the overall profitability of the firm. Negro monitors economic indicators and market shifts to mitigate risks, ensuring that the company maintains a robust balance sheet while pursuing aggressive growth targets in the global industrial machinery sector.
    Nicholas Negro

    Petros Diamantides - Group President, Emerging Markets

    Petros Diamantides, the Group President, Emerging Markets at Duravant, drives the expansion of the company's footprint into high-growth geographic regions. Diamantides oversees the deployment of packaging and food processing automation solutions tailored to the unique demands of developing industrial landscapes. By identifying strategic opportunities for market penetration, the Group President, Emerging Markets ensures that the company's mission-critical equipment reaches new customer bases in the agriculture and distribution sectors. Petros Diamantides manages local partnerships and operational teams to adapt global product offerings to regional requirements. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and competitive dynamics to establish a strong presence in emerging economies. Through the execution of localized growth strategies, the Group President, Emerging Markets increases the company's global market share and diversifies revenue streams. Diamantides maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that regional operations align with the high standards of engineering and service excellence expected from the firm.

    Kurt Huelsman - President, Foodmate (US)

    Kurt Huelsman, the President, Foodmate (US) at Duravant, directs the specialized operations and product development for the food processing division. Huelsman oversees the design and assembly of mission-critical equipment specifically engineered for the poultry and food processing industries. By focusing on the unique technical requirements of these end-markets, the President, Foodmate (US) ensures that the company delivers high-performance solutions that improve processing efficiency and safety. Kurt Huelsman manages the manufacturing and service teams to maintain the highest quality standards for all equipment installations. This leadership role involves close coordination with the broader organization to leverage shared resources and expertise in automation. Through the continuous improvement of product lines, the President, Foodmate (US) drives innovation and maintains a competitive edge in the food processing sector. Huelsman ensures that the division meets the evolving needs of clients, supporting the company's overall commitment to providing superior industrial machinery and aftermarket support.

    Raman Joshi - Group President, Industrial Automation

    Raman Joshi, the Group President, Industrial Automation at Duravant, directs the development and deployment of advanced robotic and conveyor systems. Joshi oversees the engineering and assembly of high-precision automation equipment designed to optimize material handling and distribution workflows. By focusing on the integration of smart technologies, the Group President, Industrial Automation ensures that the company's machinery delivers maximum throughput and reliability for e-commerce and industrial clients. Raman Joshi manages the operational teams responsible for scaling production and maintaining high-quality standards across the automation portfolio. This leadership role involves collaborating with other business units to provide comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for complex industrial challenges. Through the strategic management of the automation division, the Group President, Industrial Automation drives revenue growth and strengthens the company's market position. Joshi ensures that all technical initiatives align with the firm's mission to provide highly engineered, mission-critical equipment that enhances operational efficiency for global customers.

    Jack Lee - Group President, Food Sorting & Handling Solutions

    Jack Lee, the Group President, Food Sorting & Handling Solutions at Duravant, directs the strategic focus on precision sorting and material handling technologies for the food and beverage industry. Lee oversees the design and assembly of specialized equipment that ensures product quality and operational speed in food processing environments. By managing the technical and service teams, the Group President, Food Sorting & Handling Solutions ensures that the company's solutions meet the rigorous demands of food safety and efficiency. Jack Lee drives the development of innovative sorting systems that allow clients to optimize their production lines and reduce waste. This leadership role involves working with the executive team to expand the reach of these specialized solutions into new global markets. Through the continuous refinement of sorting and handling processes, the Group President, Food Sorting & Handling Solutions supports the company's mission to provide mission-critical equipment that solves complex industrial problems. Lee ensures that the division remains a leader in food processing technology.

    Richard Richardson - Chief Information Officer

    Richard Richardson, the Chief Information Officer at Duravant, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy required to support complex manufacturing operations. Richardson oversees the implementation of advanced data systems that enhance the design, assembly, and maintenance of robotic palletizers and thermal processors. By integrating secure information networks across global facilities, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless communication and operational continuity. Richard Richardson drives the adoption of digital tools that improve the efficiency of aftermarket solutions and customer support services. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite members to align technological investments with the company's broader business goals. Through the management of cybersecurity protocols and data analytics, the Chief Information Officer protects intellectual property and provides actionable insights for decision-making. Richardson ensures that the technological framework remains scalable, supporting the company's mission to provide cutting-edge automation equipment to the food, beverage, and e-commerce industries.
    Richard Richardson

    Paul Heskens - Managing Director

    Paul Heskens, the Managing Director at Duravant, oversees regional operations and executes tactical business plans to support the company's global objectives. Heskens manages the integration of highly engineered automation equipment into diverse industrial workflows, ensuring that packaging and material handling solutions meet the specific requirements of the food and beverage sector. By coordinating with cross-functional teams, the Managing Director drives efficiency in the assembly and deployment of mission-critical machinery. Paul Heskens monitors performance metrics across key operational areas to ensure alignment with the broader corporate strategy. This role involves managing complex supply chain logistics and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to sustain growth in competitive markets. Through the implementation of standardized processes, the Managing Director optimizes the delivery of aftermarket solutions, thereby enhancing the overall value proposition for clients. Heskens ensures that regional activities contribute directly to the long-term stability and market leadership of the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Duravant Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Duravant?
    Duravant is led by Jill Evanko (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nicholas Negro (Chief Financial Officer) and Petros Diamantides (Group President, Emerging Markets).
    Who is part of Duravant’s executive team?
    The executive team of Duravant includes leaders such as Jill Evanko (Chief Executive Officer), Nicholas Negro (Chief Financial Officer), Petros Diamantides (Group President, Emerging Markets) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Duravant have?
    Duravant has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Duravant’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Duravant includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Group President, Emerging Markets, President, Foodmate (US), Group President, Industrial Automation.