Hillenbrand Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hillenbrand has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, technology transformation, financial management, administrative operations, and marketing communications.

Focused on delivering advanced industrial solutions, Hillenbrand maintains a commitment to engineering excellence and mission-critical performance for global markets across durable 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 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, manages the financial health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Overseeing fiscal planning, reporting, and treasury functions, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the development of highly engineered industrial solutions. This leadership role involves monitoring global market fluctuations and mitigating financial risks associated with international operations. By maintaining rigorous internal controls, Walke provides the transparency necessary for sustainable growth across the diverse portfolio of industrial brands. The Interim Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities in recycling and food processing technologies. Through precise financial modeling and strategic budgeting, Megan Walke drives the fiscal discipline required to support long-term value creation. Walke ensures that the company maintains a strong balance sheet, enabling continued investment in mission-critical equipment and advanced engineering capabilities that define the market presence of the firm.

    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 enterprise technology strategy. Overseeing global data security and information systems, the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer ensures that all processing equipment and integrated solutions remain supported by robust, scalable digital frameworks. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to enhance operational efficiency across diverse industrial end markets. By implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols, Soni protects critical intellectual property and maintains seamless connectivity for international operations. The Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align technological investments with long-term growth objectives. Through the integration of data analytics, Bhavik Soni drives informed decision-making processes that optimize manufacturing output and improve service delivery for customers worldwide, ultimately strengthening the competitive position of the organization within the global industrial machinery landscape.

    Michael Prado - Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer

    Michael Prado, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer at Hillenbrand, architects the innovation roadmap and leads large-scale organizational change initiatives. Managing the research and development pipeline, the Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer focuses on advancing the engineering capabilities of mission-critical processing equipment. This role involves identifying emerging trends in durable plastics and food processing to maintain market leadership. By streamlining internal processes, Prado accelerates the deployment of new technologies across global manufacturing facilities. The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Transformation Officer works closely with the board to ensure that transformation efforts yield measurable improvements in operational performance and cost efficiency. Through the application of advanced engineering principles, Michael Prado fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Prado secures the future of the company by aligning technical development with the evolving needs of industrial clients, ensuring that every product remains at the forefront of industry standards.

    Peter Ryan - Chief Administrative Officer

    Peter Ryan, the Chief Administrative Officer at Hillenbrand, directs corporate governance, legal compliance, and administrative infrastructure. Overseeing the regulatory framework for global industrial operations, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all business activities adhere to international standards and internal policies. This leadership role involves managing complex contractual obligations and mitigating legal risks across the diverse portfolio of industrial brands. By optimizing administrative processes, Ryan enhances the agility of the organization in responding to market demands. The Chief Administrative Officer works with other C-suite leaders to integrate corporate policies with operational goals, ensuring that the company maintains its reputation for reliability and integrity. Through the oversight of human capital and corporate services, Peter Ryan supports the workforce responsible for delivering mission-critical processing equipment. Ryan secures the operational foundation of the firm, allowing the business to focus on engineering excellence and the expansion of its global footprint.
    Peter Ryan

    Melissa Buscher - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Melissa Buscher, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Hillenbrand, architects the global brand strategy and manages corporate messaging across all industrial sectors. Overseeing market positioning for mission-critical processing equipment, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that the value proposition of the company reaches key stakeholders in the durable plastics, food processing, and recycling industries. This leadership role involves developing integrated communication campaigns that highlight the advanced engineering capabilities of the firm. By aligning marketing efforts with business objectives, Buscher drives brand awareness and customer engagement on a global scale. The Chief Marketing & Communications Officer collaborates with the executive team to articulate the vision and impact of the organization to investors and partners. Through strategic storytelling and digital outreach, Melissa Buscher strengthens the market presence of the company. Buscher ensures that the brand remains synonymous with reliability and innovation, effectively supporting the growth of the business in competitive international markets.
    Melissa Buscher

    Explore Leadership Teams in Industrial Machinery & Equipment

    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 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.