Meet the Hillenbrand Board of Directors

At Hillenbrand, the Board of Directors plays a critical role in the success and direction of the company. As shareholders, they represent the interests of investors and stakeholders, while also providing guidance and oversight to the company's management team. In this article, we will delve into the members of the Hillenbrand Board of Directors, their qualifications, roles, responsibilities, and challenges, as well as the company's future plans and vision from the Board's perspective.

Who are the members of the Hillenbrand Board of Directors?

The Hillenbrand Board of Directors comprises thirteen members, each bringing a wealth of diverse experience and expertise to the table. The Board is led by Chairman Joe A. Raver, who also serves as the CEO of Hillenbrand, and independent lead director Edward A. Harycki. The other eleven Directors are independent.

The members of the Board of Directors are as follows:

• Robert P. Yost

• Peter R. McCrea

• David F. Dietz

• Jennifer M. Pollino

• Cynthia L. Lucchese

• Dennis W. Pullin

• Lucinda B. Baier

• Eric M. Nodiff

• Rebecca S. Stahl

• Carol P. Lowe

The Board of Directors of Hillenbrand is responsible for overseeing the company's management and ensuring that the company is operating in the best interests of its shareholders. The Board meets regularly to review the company's performance, set strategic goals, and make important decisions about the company's future.

In addition to their roles on the Hillenbrand Board of Directors, many of the members also serve on the boards of other companies and organizations. For example, Lucinda B. Baier is a member of the Board of Directors of HCA Healthcare, while Jennifer M. Pollino serves on the Board of Directors of The Toro Company.

A brief history of Hillenbrand Inc.

Founded in 1906, Hillenbrand has evolved from a company focused on burial caskets and funeral services to a global diversified industrial company operating in two main segments: Batesville and Advanced Process Solutions (APS).

Batesville, the company's larger segment in terms of revenue, is a leading provider of funeral products and services. APS, which was formed in 2019 through the acquisition of Coperion Capital GmbH, provides highly engineered equipment and systems to the plastics, chemical, and food industries. Hillenbrand's global presence includes operations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Over the years, Hillenbrand has made several strategic acquisitions to expand its business portfolio. In 2013, the company acquired K-Tron International, a leading provider of material handling equipment and systems. This acquisition helped Hillenbrand to strengthen its position in the process equipment industry. In 2016, the company acquired Red Valve Company, a manufacturer of valves and related products for the industrial and municipal markets. This acquisition helped Hillenbrand to expand its product offerings and customer base.

Hillenbrand is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The company has set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and waste generation. Hillenbrand also encourages its suppliers to adopt sustainable practices and has developed a supplier code of conduct to ensure ethical and responsible sourcing.

The role of the Board of Directors in Hillenbrand Inc.

The Hillenbrand Board of Directors plays a vital role in setting the strategic direction of the company and ensuring that management is executing on that strategy. The Board provides oversight of the company's financial performance, risk management, cybersecurity, and corporate governance. In addition, the Board actively works with management to identify and pursue growth opportunities, as well as evaluate potential acquisition targets or divestitures.

Furthermore, the Board of Directors at Hillenbrand Inc. is responsible for ensuring that the company operates in an ethical and socially responsible manner. This includes monitoring the company's environmental impact, labor practices, and community engagement initiatives. The Board also regularly reviews and updates the company's code of conduct and ethics policies to ensure that they align with industry standards and best practices.

How are members of the Board of Directors appointed in Hillenbrand Inc.?

The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board is responsible for identifying and screening potential director candidates. The Committee considers a range of factors in evaluating candidates, including their skills, experience, diversity, and personal attributes. Once a candidate is identified, they go through a rigorous review process, which includes interviews with current Board members and background checks.

Once a candidate is approved, they are appointed to serve on the Board by a majority vote of the current directors. New members attend an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company's operations, strategic vision, policies, and executives. They are also provided ongoing training and development opportunities to remain informed of new trends, technologies, and industry changes.

In addition to the orientation session and ongoing training, members of the Board of Directors in Hillenbrand Inc. are expected to attend regular meetings throughout the year. These meetings provide an opportunity for the Board to review the company's financial performance, discuss strategic initiatives, and make important decisions that impact the organization as a whole.

The Board of Directors also plays a critical role in overseeing the company's risk management practices. They work closely with senior executives to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This includes reviewing the company's internal controls, compliance programs, and cybersecurity measures to ensure that Hillenbrand Inc. is well-positioned to navigate any challenges that may arise.

What are the qualifications to become a member of the Hillenbrand Board of Directors?

The Hillenbrand Board of Directors is composed of highly accomplished individuals who bring a wealth of diverse experience to the table. Members are expected to have expertise in areas that are critical to the success of the company, such as finance, operations, marketing, technology, and international business.

The company's Board Diversity Policy specifies that diversity is an essential factor in identifying potential director candidates. One of the key aspects of diversity is having members with a variety of experiences, skills, and backgrounds. Hillenbrand's Board is diverse in terms of gender, ethnicity, and professional backgrounds, with nearly half the members being female, and one member being a non-US citizen.

The importance of diversity in Hillenbrand's Board of Directors

Hillenbrand recognizes that diversity is essential to its success and that having a diverse Board of Directors is good for business. Diverse perspectives increase creativity, innovation, and agility, leading to better decision-making and improved financial performance.

The company's commitment to diversity is also reflected in its overall workforce composition, with a focus on creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow and excel. Hillenbrand's diversity and inclusion efforts have been recognized by several notable organizations, including Forbes, DiversityInc, and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

How does the Board of Directors contribute to Hillenbrand's success?

The Hillenbrand Board of Directors plays a critical role in driving the company's success by setting the strategic direction and providing oversight and guidance to management. The Board brings a wealth of diverse experience and expertise to the table, including industry-specific, financial, operational, legal, and governance expertise.

Each Board member serves on one or more committees, such as the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Governance, and Risk Management Committees, to help ensure that the company is operating in the best interest of its shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders. The Board also engages with investors, analysts, and customers to stay up to date on trends, issues, and opportunities in the marketplace.

The challenges faced by Hillenbrand's Board of Directors

Like all companies, Hillenbrand faces challenges that require its Board of Directors to be agile and responsive. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the company, requiring it to adjust its operations and adapt to new ways of interacting with customers and employees.

Another challenge that Hillenbrand faces is maintaining its competitive edge in a rapidly changing and evolving marketplace. To stay ahead of the curve, the company must continuously innovate, invest in new technologies, and forge strategic partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders.

The future vision and plans for Hillenbrand Inc. from the perspective of its Board of Directors

Hillenbrand's Board of Directors envisions the company continuing to grow and thrive by remaining agile, adaptable, and focused on its core values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, and customer-centricity.

The company plans to leverage its diversified business model to expand into new markets, explore new products and services, and pursue strategic acquisitions that align with its overall growth strategy. At the same time, Hillenbrand remains committed to sustainable business practices, such as reducing its carbon footprint, enhancing its social responsibility efforts, and promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the organization.

How does Hillenbrand's Board of Directors govern and oversee company operations?

The Hillenbrand Board of Directors governs and oversees company operations by providing guidance to management on key issues, such as financial performance, risk management, cybersecurity, and corporate governance. The Board also reviews and approves the company's annual operating plan, evaluates its progress toward strategic goals, and monitors compliance with ethical and legal standards.

In addition, the Board ensures that the company maintains effective internal controls to safeguard its assets and prevent fraud or data breaches. The Board regularly reviews and updates the company's risk management framework, including identifying and mitigating risks associated with emerging technologies, competitive threats, and regulatory changes.

The relationship between Hillenbrand's Board of Directors and its shareholders

The Hillenbrand Board of Directors works closely with shareholders to ensure that their interests are represented and that the company is delivering value to them. The Board regularly communicates with shareholders through various channels, such as quarterly earnings calls, annual shareholders' meetings, and other investor events.

The Board also works with the company's management team to develop and implement a comprehensive investor relations strategy that includes transparent and timely reporting, effective engagement with analysts and investors, and proactive outreach to new and existing shareholders.

How do corporate governance practices shape Hillenbrand's Board of Directors' decisions?

Corporate governance practices are a vital component of Hillenbrand's overall strategy to deliver long-term value to its shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders. The company's Board of Directors is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical and legal conduct, transparency, and accountability in all its actions and decisions.

The Board's corporate governance practices include having an independent lead director, annual director evaluations, regular executive sessions without management present, and a strong focus on risk oversight and management. By adhering to these practices, the Board ensures that it is operating in the best interest of the company and its stakeholders.

Key takeaways from an interview with a member of Hillenbrand's Board of Directors

An interview with a member of Hillenbrand's Board of Directors highlights several key takeaways. First, the Board is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive culture throughout the organization. Second, the company is focused on actively pursuing growth opportunities while remaining agile, adaptable, and customer-centric. Finally, the Board is committed to upholding the highest ethical and legal standards in all its decisions and actions.

Comparing and contrasting the roles and responsibilities held by different members on Hillenbrand's Board of Directors

While all members of the Hillenbrand Board of Directors share a common goal of driving the company's success, they each have unique roles and responsibilities based on their experience, expertise, and committee assignments.

For example, the Chairman and CEO play a critical role in setting the strategic direction and ensuring that the company is meeting its financial and operational goals. The independent lead director provides oversight and guidance to ensure that the Board remains independent and that there is strong communication and collaboration between the Board and management.

The members of the Audit Committee are responsible for overseeing the company's financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Compensation Committee oversees the company's compensation and benefits programs, ensuring that they are aligned with the company's strategic objectives and driving long-term shareholder value.

The Nominating and Governance Committee oversees the process for identifying and selecting new Board members and ensures that the Board is composed of individuals with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds. Finally, the Risk Management Committee oversees the company's overall risk management strategy and ensures that the company is well-positioned to manage risks associated with emerging technologies, competitive threats, and regulatory changes.

Conclusion

As we have seen, the Hillenbrand Board of Directors is composed of highly accomplished individuals who bring a wealth of diverse experience, expertise, and perspectives to the table. The Board plays a critical role in setting the company's strategic vision, driving growth and innovation, and ensuring that the company operates in the best interest of its stakeholders.

The Board's commitment to diversity, inclusion, corporate governance, risk management, and ethical conduct is reflected in the company's overall culture, operations, and performance. By remaining focused on its core values and staying agile and adaptable in a rapidly changing marketplace, Hillenbrand is poised for continued success in the years ahead.