Executive Team Focuses on Growth in Burial, Cremation and Technology
BATESVILLE, Ind., June 7, 2023 – Batesville Services, LLC, a leading provider of innovative products and services to the death care industry, announced the appointment of Sahal Laher as SVP and Chief Technology and Digital Officer, reporting to Chris Trainor, Chief Executive Officer. In this newly created role, Laher will execute Batesville’s technology strategy, including the expansion of its world-class digital end-to-end platform, and lead the ongoing development of the company’s infrastructure, all with an unwavering focus on data security, system stability, customer experience, and overall excellence.
Laher is a visionary leader with more than 25 years of experience leveraging technology to enhance customer solutions and consumer experiences for a variety of global brands, including Everstory Partners (formerly StoneMor Inc.), Estée Lauder, Brooks Brothers, Capgemini, and Deloitte.
“Funeral service is changing rapidly, and as an industry, we must be nimble and responsive,” said Trainor. “We are investing even more in our people, our processes and leveraging advanced technologies to deliver groundbreaking burial, cremation and technology solutions that can elevate funeral service and help families honor the lives of those they love. Adding Sahal to our team will help us build the digital solutions our customers need to support their businesses.”
Laher has a proven record of building high performance, cross-functional teams and an operational perspective that focuses on taking friction out of the customer experience. His expertise and ability to conceptualize and drive innovation and growth will be a tremendous asset in preparing to serve the next generation of funeral professionals and families.
“Batesville has a remarkable legacy of innovation, with customer-facing digital solutions like Batesville Connect® that have propelled it to the forefront of the industry,” said Laher. “I am very excited to join the company at this pivotal time and to have the opportunity to partner with such a talented executive team and work alongside so many dedicated technology experts.”
Laher earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and International Studies from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), completed advanced specialization programs in Marketing and Operations Management, Corporate Finance and Financial Accounting, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, FinTech, and InsurTech at The Wharton School, and attended the Executive Program at Stanford University.
He is a member of the Dean’s Council at WPI and serves on the Board of Directors for Wine to Water, which has helped bring clean drinking water to more than 1.5 million people globally.
The dedicated C-level technology role was added following the company’s acquisition by LongRange Capital in February of 2023. Laher joins a team of accomplished executives, including Dan Harmeyer, SVP and Chief Financial Officer, John Linville, SVP – Supply Chain, Jenn Parvin, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, John Parlapiano, SVP – Sales, Mari Jo Moody, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, and Lyn Mathews, SVP and General Counsel.
ABOUT BATESVILLE
Batesville (www.Batesville.com) is a recognized leader in the death care industry in North America, offering a comprehensive portfolio of burial and cremation products, memorialization options and innovative technology solutions. For more than 125 years, Batesville has supported licensed funeral professionals in helping families honor the lives of those they love.® A history of manufacturing excellence, product innovation, superior customer service, and reliable delivery helped Batesville become – and remain – a market leader.
