BATESVILLE — Joe Raver will take over as Hillenbrand Inc. president and chief executive officer when Ken Camp, who currently holds those positions, retires at the end of the year, according to an HI press release.

Joe Loughrey, HI board chairman, confirmed Camp’s pending retirement and announced the board’s decision to transfer leadership to Raver. Camp will be stepping down Sept. 6 “to effect a smooth transition of leadership to Raver prior to Camp’s retirement Dec. 31,” the release stated.

The chairman said, “We can’t honor Ken enough for the transformative work he has done for Hillenbrand. It was his vision that started us on the course to becoming a global, diversified industrial company and set a foundation for our continued strategic growth.”

Camp announced, “I have enjoyed every one of my 32 years of service to Hillenbrand. I’m proud of the successes we’ve achieved – all of which are due to the gifted and dedicated people throughout Hillenbrand. I look forward to retirement, and I will leave knowing this organization is in Joe Raver’s very capable hands.”

The board was unanimous in its support of Raver, Loughrey revealed. “He is the product of a long-term, intentional leadership development focus at Hillenbrand. We’re fortunate to have him and others like him ready to step up and serve when called.”

Raver spent 18 years in various key positions with Batesville Casket Co. and its affiliates. He held the position of vice president of strategy for two years and then vice president and general manager of the respiratory care division for two years at Hill-Rom.

He succeeded Camp as Batesville Casket Co. president in 2008 when Camp assumed his current role at HI. In 2011, he became president of the Process Equipment Group, where he exhibited insight and skill at the helm of a group that has grown significantly, both through organic growth and acquisition and in a short time has expanded its presence in new markets, such as China, Russia and India.

Raver commented, “I thank the board for the confidence they have placed in me, and I personally thank Ken Camp. He has been a significant mentor in our relentless pursuit of excellence. His example of focus and vision will serve me greatly in this role.”

Raver holds a Master of Business Administration degree in marketing and strategy from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Dartmouth.

Until the Sept. 6 transition, he will continue as president of the Process Equipment Group in Europe, which includes continuing the integration of Coperion. He and his family will move back to the U.S. this summer, as he and Camp work closely to commence the transition.