Hillenbrand Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hillenbrand has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, technological transformation, global information systems, administrative operations, and corporate communications.

Focused on delivering mission-critical industrial solutions, Hillenbrand drives global manufacturing excellence through advanced engineering and reliable performance across diverse end markets like plastics, food processing, and recycling.

Leadership Roles at Hillenbrand

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

    Megan Walke, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Hillenbrand, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures rigorous compliance with international accounting standards while managing investor relations. This leadership role involves optimizing the balance sheet to support the acquisition of mission-critical processing equipment manufacturers. By monitoring global market trends, Megan Walke maintains the liquidity necessary for sustained industrial growth. Walke manages the internal audit functions and coordinates with the Board to provide transparent reporting on quarterly performance. Through disciplined cost management and strategic investment, the Interim Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term financial stability of the company. Walke drives the fiscal agenda to ensure that all business units maintain profitability while navigating complex global economic conditions across the diverse industrial sectors served by the organization.

    Micheal Prado - Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer

    Micheal Prado, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer at Hillenbrand, architects the future of industrial innovation and operational efficiency. Overseeing the integration of advanced engineering capabilities, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer drives the development of next-generation processing equipment. This leadership role involves streamlining internal workflows to accelerate product delivery across global markets. By implementing lean manufacturing principles, Micheal Prado enhances the competitive edge of the company in the plastics and food processing sectors. Prado coordinates with engineering teams to refine product design and performance metrics. Through the execution of large-scale transformation initiatives, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer optimizes resource allocation and reduces operational waste. Prado maintains a focus on technological advancement to ensure that the company remains at the forefront of industrial machinery, consistently delivering high-value solutions to customers worldwide.

    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 digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks supporting global operations. Overseeing the enterprise-wide information systems, the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity across all manufacturing facilities. This leadership role involves deploying scalable cloud solutions and data analytics platforms to improve decision-making speed. By protecting critical intellectual property, Bhavik Soni mitigates risks associated with digital threats in the industrial sector. Soni manages the IT budget and aligns technology investments with the broader corporate strategy. Through the modernization of legacy systems, the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer enhances operational agility and cross-functional collaboration. Soni drives the digital transformation agenda to ensure that the company leverages data effectively, maintaining a robust technological foundation for all business units operating within the global industrial landscape.

    Peter Ryan - Chief Administrative Officer

    Peter Ryan, the Chief Administrative Officer at Hillenbrand, directs the organizational structure and legal governance frameworks. Overseeing the administrative functions, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all corporate policies align with international regulatory requirements. This leadership role involves managing human capital strategies and legal compliance to support the global workforce. By coordinating with the executive team, Peter Ryan facilitates the smooth execution of corporate initiatives and operational policies. Ryan monitors the legal landscape to protect the company from potential liabilities while fostering a culture of accountability. Through the oversight of administrative processes, the Chief Administrative Officer improves internal efficiency and organizational transparency. Ryan drives the development of robust governance protocols to ensure that all business activities remain consistent with the mission of the company. By maintaining high standards of corporate conduct, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the long-term sustainability of the organization across all regional operations.
    Peter Ryan

    Melissa Buscher - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Melissa Buscher, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Hillenbrand, directs the global brand strategy and corporate messaging initiatives. Overseeing the marketing department, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that the value proposition of the company reaches key stakeholders in the plastics, food processing, and recycling industries. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the advanced engineering capabilities of the organization. By managing public relations and internal communications, Melissa Buscher strengthens the reputation of the company in competitive global markets. Buscher coordinates with business unit leaders to align marketing campaigns with specific product launches and growth objectives. Through the development of digital marketing channels, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer expands the market presence of the company. Buscher drives the brand identity to ensure consistent messaging across all regions, effectively communicating the commitment of the organization to delivering reliable performance and innovative industrial solutions.
    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 Micheal Prado (Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer) and Bhavik Soni (Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Hillenbrand’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hillenbrand includes leaders such as Megan Walke (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Micheal Prado (Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer), Bhavik Soni (Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hillenbrand have?
    Hillenbrand has 5 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, Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.