Henny Penny Appoints New CEO

As part of a planned succession process, Henny Penny has appointed Kevin Buchler as its CEO. He succeeds chairman and CEO Rob Connelly, who will transition to the role of executive chairman of the manufacturer’s board of directors.

Connelly will retain an active management role in the company, providing strategic guidance and support, Henny Penny says in the release. He’ll support Buchler in a mentorship and advisory capacity, providing a thorough orientation to Henny Penny’s culture, ownership structure, customers and community partners.

Brian Silverberg, who took the role of president in 2023, will continue in his role leading day-to-day operations.

“Kevin is an accomplished executive with an extraordinary vision for the future. He has the experience, capabilities, and personal qualities the company needs during this period of strategic and operational change,” Connelly says in a statement. “He’s the right person with the right skills to lead Henny Penny forward into a new chapter of innovation, growth and technology while maintaining the ownership culture that enables our success. I’m confident he will build on our values, intention and purpose of caring for our customers, communities and each other.”

Buchler’s career includes more than two decades at Hillenbrand Inc., where he led operations across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He most recently served as president of the Food, Health and Nutrition Division at Coperion, a global industry and technology leader in specialized equipment for the food and health industries. He began his career in operations and engineering at Batesville Casket Co., formerly owned by Hillenbrand.