Hillenbrand Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hillenbrand has 4 executives leading key functions including digital infrastructure, financial strategy, technological innovation, and corporate communications.

Focused on delivering mission-critical industrial solutions, Hillenbrand maintains a commitment to advanced engineering and reliable performance across global markets, ensuring operational excellence for customers in plastics, food processing, and recycling sectors.

Leadership Roles at Hillenbrand

  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Megan Walke
  • Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer - Bhavik Soni
  • Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer - Michael Prado
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Melissa Buscher
  • Megan Walke - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Megan Walke, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Hillenbrand, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the global industrial enterprise. Overseeing financial reporting, treasury operations, and investor relations, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures strict adherence to corporate governance and long-term value creation. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends within the durable plastics and food processing sectors to guide strategic investment decisions. By optimizing the balance sheet and maintaining liquidity, Megan Walke supports the ongoing expansion of the company's portfolio of industrial brands. The Interim Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to evaluate acquisition opportunities and operational efficiencies across diverse geographic markets. Through rigorous financial oversight and disciplined resource management, Walke secures the necessary capital to fund advanced engineering initiatives, ultimately strengthening the financial foundation required to sustain the company's position as a leader in mission-critical processing equipment.

    Bhavik Soni - Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer

    Bhavik Soni, the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer at Hillenbrand, directs the enterprise digital strategy and information technology architecture. Overseeing global data security and systems integration, the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer ensures that all industrial processing equipment remains supported by robust, scalable digital frameworks. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy platforms to enhance manufacturing efficiency across international regions. By implementing advanced analytics and cloud-based solutions, Bhavik Soni optimizes the technological backbone of the organization. The Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer collaborates with operational leaders to align IT investments with the broader mission of providing mission-critical equipment. Through the deployment of secure, high-performance networks, Soni drives digital transformation, enabling the company to maintain a competitive edge in the complex global industrial machinery market while safeguarding critical data assets.

    Michael Prado - Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer

    Michael Prado, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer at Hillenbrand, architects the future of industrial innovation and organizational change. Overseeing research and development, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer drives the creation of next-generation processing equipment and integrated solutions. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve manufacturing agility and product reliability across global operations. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Michael Prado accelerates the adoption of advanced engineering capabilities within the company's diverse industrial brands. The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer coordinates with engineering teams to solve complex challenges in the recycling and food processing industries. Through the implementation of lean methodologies and innovative design principles, Prado enhances operational performance. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of industrial technology, delivering superior value to customers through constant evolution and technical excellence.

    Melissa Buscher - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Melissa Buscher, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Hillenbrand, directs the global brand strategy and corporate messaging for the industrial portfolio. Overseeing internal and external communications, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that the company's value proposition regarding mission-critical equipment reaches key stakeholders across diverse end markets. This leadership role involves managing public relations, digital marketing campaigns, and corporate reputation to support growth in the plastics and recycling sectors. By crafting clear, impactful narratives, Melissa Buscher aligns market perception with the advanced engineering capabilities of the organization. The Chief Marketing & Communications Officer collaborates with business unit leaders to promote integrated solutions that address specific customer needs in various geographic regions. Through strategic brand positioning and effective stakeholder engagement, Buscher drives market awareness and strengthens the company's identity. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer fosters trust and visibility, ensuring that the brand remains synonymous with reliability and industrial excellence.
    Melissa Buscher

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hillenbrand Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hillenbrand?
    Hillenbrand is led by Megan Walke (Interim Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Bhavik Soni (Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer) and Michael Prado (Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer).
    Who is part of Hillenbrand’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hillenbrand includes leaders such as Megan Walke (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Bhavik Soni (Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer), Michael Prado (Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hillenbrand have?
    Hillenbrand has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hillenbrand’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hillenbrand includes roles such as Interim Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.