John Greisch, 54, Chicago, has been appointed Hill-Rom Holdings Inc. president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 8. He succeeds Peter Soderberg, who previously announced his intention to retire, said Lauren Green-Caldwell, Hill-Rom corporate communications and public relations director.

Greisch also has been appointed to the company’s board of directors.

He brings over 30 years of international operations and financial leadership experience to Hill-Rom.

Greisch spent the past seven years at Baxter Inter-national Inc. (NYSE: BAX), a global diversified health care company with expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Most recently, he served as Baxter’s president of international operations and, before that, as chief financial officer.

Greisch also served as president of Baxter’s BioScience division.

“Our board of directors is delighted to welcome John Greisch to Hill-Rom,” said board Chairman Rolf Classon. “With his proven leadership and successful track record, John will help us capitalize on Hill-Rom’s market-leading position and global expansion opportunities that will drive future growth. We are confident that John and our strong management team will continue to execute our strategy to the benefit of our customers and our shareholders.”

Commenting on his appointment, Greisch said, “This is an exciting opportunity for me. Hill-Rom has a great brand and strong market positions and I am proud to have the opportunity to lead the company to the next level of success. With the company’s diverse product portfolio and focus on innovation, I am confident that we can continue to bring market-leading innovative solutions to patients and caregivers around the world and across the care continuum.”

As previously announced, Soderberg will continue to advise the company on product and service innovation initiatives on a part-time basis. As planned, in connection with Greisch’s appointment, Soderberg has stepped down from the company’s board.

Classon noted, “We want to thank Peter for his dynamic and visionary leadership over the past four years, which has led us to spin off our funeral services business and positioned Hill-Rom as the focused and leading medical technology company it is today. We appreciate his willingness to continue his involvement with the company, which will ensure a smooth transition.”

In his most recent role as Baxter’s international operations president, Greisch achieved double-digit annual increases in revenues and profits.

Prior to joining Baxter, Greisch was FleetPride Corp. president and CEO.

Greisch currently serves on the Board of Directors for TomoTherapy Inc. and Children’s Memorial Hospital Foundation and on the Board of Trustees of the John G. Shedd Aquarium.

He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Miami University and a master’s degree in management from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.