Hill-Rom announces succession plan for CEO position

The board of directors of Hill-Rom Holdings Inc. on September 17 announced plans to facilitate the orderly succession and retirement of Peter H. Soderberg, president and CEO. Consistent with his wishes conveyed at the time of his arrival in 2006 and endorsed by the board at that time, Soderberg will formally retire as an employee of the company at the end of April 2011 (at age 65).

The board has formed a search committee to identify a new CEO and has retained Spencer Stuart, a leading executive recruiting firm, to advise the board. The search process, which is already underway, will include a full review of both internal and external candidates. Soderberg will remain as president and CEO until a successor is named, which is anticipated to occur in 2010. After the new CEO assumes responsibility, Soderberg will become chief innovation officer reporting to the new president and CEO. In that role, it is anticipated that Soderberg will continue to advise and help shape the company's business and product innovation initiatives on a part-time basis. Soderberg will remain on the board until his successor has taken office.

"Hill-Rom is in a strong position as a result of Peter's leadership. We have a clear and focused strategy and continue to execute it successfully in spite of the economic downturn. Consistent with our succession planning process and obligation to shareholders and employees, the board is committed to an extensive search for the right candidate and expects the transition to be seamless," said Rolf A. Classon, Hill-Rom's board chairman and an independent director.

Joanne Smith, as chair of the company's Nominating and Corporate Governance committee, added, "We are in a position to provide for an effective transition that ensures full accountability until a successor takes office. As chief innovation officer, Peter will then devote his attention to advising the company on future strategic innovations, where continuity is critical."

In commenting on the September 17 disclosure, Soderberg stated, "When I arrived in 2006, it was my goal to help re-establish the company's growth, profitability and market leadership. While we now operate in challenging economic times, the company continues to successfully execute the strategy unveiled in late 2006, that has led to accelerated product introduction, expanded presence across the care continuum, improved profitability and a path to increased shareholder value."

He added, "I am particularly pleased with the progress of our entire global team in weathering these difficult times and in preparing for significant growth as the global economy accelerates. I will continue to vigorously lead the company until my successor is named and then look forward to partnering with him or her to ensure a successful transition. My continuing role in helping the company to realize some of the true innovation initiatives we have begun and are evaluating allows me to return to my marketing and engineering roots and continue to contribute to the future success of this marvelous company, while finding the time to attend to family needs."

About Hill-Rom Holdings Inc.

Hill-Rom is a leading worldwide manufacturer and provider of medical technologies and related services for the health care industry, including patient support systems, safe mobility and handling solutions, non-invasive therapeutic products for a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions, medical equipment rentals and information technology solutions. Hill-Rom's comprehensive product and service offerings are used by health care providers across the health care continuum and around the world in hospitals, extended care facilities and home care settings to enhance the safety and quality of patient care.