CFO shake-up at Hillenbrand: board installs Walke, search continues

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Hillenbrand (NYSE:HI) filed an 8-K announcing a senior leadership change.

• CFO departure: Robert VanHimbergen will leave on June 27, 2025.
• Interim CFO: 14-year company veteran Megan Walke is appointed effective June 28, 2025; she will also retain her roles as VP, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer.
• Walke executed a standard Change-in-Control Agreement; the board’s search for a permanent CFO continues.

No other operational or financial updates were provided.

Positive

• Appointment of long-tenured executive Megan Walke as Interim CFO provides leadership continuity during the transition

Negative

• Departure of CFO Robert VanHimbergen effective June 27, 2025 creates uncertainty until a permanent replacement is secured

Insights

Corporate Governance Expert

TL;DR: CFO exit heightens governance risk; internal interim choice tempers disruption but strategic clarity hinges on speed of permanent hire.

The sudden loss of a sitting CFO typically raises flags around financial reporting integrity, liquidity planning and investor confidence. Although VanHimbergen’s departure was disclosed last month, the company has not named a permanent successor, leaving a gap in long-term financial stewardship. Appointing Megan Walke—an experienced insider who already oversees accounting controls—reduces immediate disruption and signals continuity. Her new Change-in-Control Agreement aligns incentives during any strategic events, but it also suggests the board is preparing for potential corporate actions. Until the board outlines a definitive hiring timeline, the market is likely to price in elevated execution and governance risk.

Financial Analyst

Finance continuity preserved; negligible near-term effect on reporting, monitor hiring timeline and credit relations impact.

Walke’s dual role as Corporate Controller and CAO should keep quarterly closes, SOX compliance and cash-flow reporting on schedule. No guidance revision or restatement accompanied the change, implying stable operations. Near-term earnings quality risk appears contained; however, lenders and rating agencies often prefer a permanent CFO in place ahead of refinancing discussions—Hillenbrand faces a bond maturity in 2026. A swift search process or elevation of Walke to the permanent post would remove this overhang; prolonged uncertainty could pressure valuation multiples.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 25, 2025

HILLENBRAND, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana

1-33794

26-1342272

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

One Batesville Boulevard
Batesville,			Indiana						47006
(Address of principal executive offices)									(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   (812) 931-5000

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. of Form 8-K):

☐  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class			Trading Symbol(s)			Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, without par value			HI			New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o   

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

As previously reported, on May 15, 2025, Hillenbrand, Inc. (the “Company”) announced the departure of Robert VanHimbergen as Chief Financial Officer, effective June 27, 2025, and that the Company expected to name Megan Walke as Interim Chief Financial Officer (the “Interim CFO”). On June 25, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company formally appointed Megan Walke, 46, to serve as the Interim CFO, effective June 28, 2025. In connection with this appointment, Ms. Walke entered into a Change in Control Agreement consistent with those entered into with other executive officers of the Company. The Company continues to conduct its search for a permanent CFO replacement. Ms. Walke will continue to serve as the Company’s Vice President, Corporate Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer. Ms. Walke has been an employee of the Company since 2011, and she has served in roles of increasing responsibility in the Company’s finance organization.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

			HILLENBRAND, INC.
Date: June 26, 2025
			BY:			/s/ Nicholas R. Farrell
						Nicholas R. Farrell
						Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

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FAQ

Why did Hillenbrand (HI) file an 8-K on June 26 2025?

The company disclosed the departure of CFO Robert VanHimbergen and the appointment of Megan Walke as Interim CFO.

Who is Hillenbrand's new Interim CFO?

The board named Megan Walke, currently VP, Corporate Controller & CAO, as Interim CFO effective June 28, 2025.

When will CFO Robert VanHimbergen leave Hillenbrand?

His resignation is effective June 27, 2025.

Is Hillenbrand still searching for a permanent CFO?

Yes. The filing states the board "continues to conduct its search for a permanent CFO replacement."

Did the Interim CFO receive a Change in Control Agreement?

Yes. Walke signed a Change-in-Control Agreement consistent with other executive officers.

Will Megan Walke keep her existing roles?

Yes. She will remain VP, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer while serving as Interim CFO.