Hillenbrand, Inc. Appoints Jan Santerre Vice President of Lean Business

BATESVILLE, Ind., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE: HI) has appointed Jan M. Santerre as vice president of lean business, focusing on continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives across the enterprise. Santerre will be part of Hillenbrand's executive management team, reporting directly to President and CEO Kenneth A. Camp.

Most recently serving as vice president of operations in Parker Hannifin Corporation's hydraulics group, Santerre oversaw and improved performance in several North American operations. Prior to that, she was vice president of the lean enterprise and quality, where she developed and deployed the Parker Lean System. Santerre developed her lean knowledge and experience through managerial roles during her 18 years with Delphi Automotive Systems and General Motors.

Santerre received her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and was selected for a GM fellowship to the University of Michigan, where she earned a master's of engineering in manufacturing.

"Hillenbrand has a strong background with its established and successful operating division, Batesville Casket Company," said Santerre. "I'm excited to be part of the management team that's collectively shaping the company's future. We're building the strongest organization we possibly can through excellent processes that deliver superior, measurable, timely results."

"Batesville Casket is recognized in the manufacturing community for its implementation of lean business principles that improve quality and productivity," said Camp. "Jan's experience will help us take those skills to the next level as we seek opportunities to acquire or partner with businesses that can benefit from our expertise to improve profitability. These core strengths are the foundation of our strategy to grow the Hillenbrand enterprise and create additional shareholder value."

ABOUT HILLENBRAND, INC.

Hillenbrand, Inc. (www.HillenbrandInc.com) is the holding company for Batesville Casket Company, a leader in the North American death care industry through the sale of funeral services products, including burial caskets; cremation caskets, containers and urns; selection room display fixturing; and other personalization and memorialization products. HI-INC-E

SOURCE Hillenbrand, Inc.

Released January 7, 2009