Batesville, a provider of burial, cremation, and technology solutions across North America, has appointed Brian Blanton as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Arturo Lopez as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Both leaders report directly to CEO Chris Trainor and are based at the company’s headquarters in Batesville, Indiana.
Blanton succeeds Kevin Sierks, who departed the company earlier this year to pursue another opportunity. Lopez fills the CHRO role following the retirement of Mari Jo Moody, who served Batesville for 31 years before retiring at the end of October.
“We continue to invest in our people, our manufacturing operations, and the technology that supports funeral professionals in their work every day,” said Chris Trainor, CEO. “Brian and Arturo are experienced leaders who share our values and our commitment to excellence. Together, they strengthen the foundation that allows us to deliver the quality and service funeral homes expect from Batesville.”
Finance and HR Leadership
Blanton brings 30 years of finance leadership to the position, including over 15 years as a CFO. He most recently served as CFO of Grote Industries and previously held CFO roles at Mubea and Modine Manufacturing. Blanton also spent six years at the Hackett Group advising global companies on enterprise performance management, budgeting,planning, reporting, and financial close.
Blanton grew up in Batesville, Indiana, where his father worked at the local stamping plant for 36 years, and where Blanton himself worked for three summers during college.
“I’ve seen firsthand the pride that goes into every Batesville product,” said Blanton. “I want to help build on that legacy by using technology and data to guide our decisions so we can keep finding better ways to support funeral professionals and the families they serve.”
Lopez brings over 25 years of human resources strategy and organizational transformation experience in global manufacturing. He most recently served as Global Head of Human Resources and board member for INEOS Aromatics, guiding its transition from BP into an independent operating company. His background also includes serving as Head of Human Resources for Catalent’s North America Biologics business and nearly 18 years in leadership roles at Cummins, including Executive Director of HR for Global Supply Chain Operations. Lopez is Six Sigma-certified and focuses on applying data-driven decision making and continuous improvement to talent management and company culture.
“Batesville’s people-centered culture, commitment to quality, and strong legacy of serving customers are what drew me here,” said Lopez. “I look forward to building on that foundation by developing leaders, strengthening organizational capabilities, and creating an environment where every associate can contribute, grow, and help drive exceptional business results.”
About Batesville Services, LLC
Batesville is a leader in the North American deathcare industry, offering burial and cremation products,memorialization options, and technology solutions. For more than 140 years, Batesville has supported licensed funeral professionals in helping families honor the lives of those they love.
