Hillenbrand Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering mission-critical industrial solutions, Hillenbrand drives advanced engineering excellence to support durable plastics, food processing, and recycling markets across global industrial landscapes.

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 - Micheal Prado
  • 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 global reporting standards while supporting the expansion of mission-critical processing equipment portfolios. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and optimizing the balance sheet to facilitate long-term growth across diverse industrial end markets. By implementing robust financial controls, Megan Walke directly impacts the operational efficiency of the company. Walke maintains alignment with the Board regarding capital deployment and risk management, ensuring that fiscal resources support the broader engineering objectives of the enterprise. Through precise financial oversight, Walke secures the necessary funding for innovation in durable plastics and food processing sectors, ultimately strengthening the market position of the firm within the global industrial machinery landscape.

    Bhavik Soni - Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer

    Bhavik Soni, the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer at Hillenbrand, architects the digital infrastructure supporting global industrial operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced data systems, the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer drives the modernization of manufacturing processes across international regions. This leadership role involves securing enterprise networks and deploying scalable technology solutions that enhance the performance of mission-critical equipment. By leveraging data analytics, Bhavik Soni optimizes supply chain visibility and production efficiency for the company. Soni collaborates with executive leadership to align digital transformation initiatives with the overarching business strategy, ensuring that technological advancements support the specific needs of the recycling and food processing industries. Through the implementation of secure, high-performance computing environments, Soni maintains the competitive edge of the organization, facilitating seamless connectivity and operational excellence across all global business units.

    Micheal Prado - Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer

    Micheal Prado, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer at Hillenbrand, directs the research and development of highly engineered processing solutions. Overseeing the technical roadmap, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer drives innovation in durable plastics and advanced industrial machinery. This leadership role involves executing organizational change initiatives that streamline manufacturing workflows and improve product reliability. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Micheal Prado ensures that the company remains at the forefront of engineering capabilities. Prado coordinates with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies into existing product lines, enhancing the value proposition for customers worldwide. Through the strategic application of advanced engineering principles, Prado accelerates the development of mission-critical equipment, ensuring that the firm meets the evolving demands of complex industrial markets while maintaining high standards of operational performance and technical precision.

    Peter Ryan - Chief Administrative Officer

    Peter Ryan, the Chief Administrative Officer at Hillenbrand, manages the internal governance and administrative frameworks supporting global industrial operations. Overseeing corporate policy and legal compliance, the Chief Administrative Officer drives the structural integrity of the organization. This leadership role involves coordinating human capital strategies and ensuring that administrative processes align with the mission-critical nature of the company's industrial equipment business. By streamlining internal operations, Peter Ryan facilitates efficient collaboration across diverse business units and regional offices. Ryan works closely with the executive team to mitigate operational risks and uphold the highest standards of corporate conduct. Through the implementation of robust administrative systems, Ryan supports the long-term stability of the firm, ensuring that all internal functions contribute effectively to the delivery of advanced engineering solutions for customers in the plastics, food processing, and recycling sectors.
    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 for the industrial portfolio. Overseeing market positioning, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer drives engagement with customers across the durable plastics, food processing, and recycling industries. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the advanced engineering capabilities and mission-critical performance of the company's equipment. By managing internal and external communications, Melissa Buscher ensures consistent alignment with the corporate mission and values. Buscher collaborates with business unit leaders to develop targeted marketing campaigns that expand the reach of the firm in key international markets. Through the strategic use of digital and traditional media, Buscher enhances the reputation of the organization, ensuring that stakeholders understand the value of the integrated solutions provided by the company to its diverse global customer base.
    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 Micheal 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), Micheal Prado (Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation 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, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.