Duravant CEO Mike Kachmer Retires, Jill Evanko Takes the Helm

Mike Kachmer, the Chief Executive Officer of Duravant LLC, has announced his retirement following a remarkable 43-year career, which includes nearly 12 years at the helm of the company. Jill Evanko has been appointed as his successor and will officially assume her role on January 5, 2026. To ensure a smooth transition, Kachmer will continue to serve as Chairman of Duravant.

In a statement, Kachmer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the company, stating, “It has been a true honor and a humbling experience to lead this incredible company. I am profoundly grateful to my colleagues within Duravant for their support over the years.” Under his leadership, Duravant has established itself as a leader in advanced automation solutions across various industries.

Evanko comes to Duravant from Chart Industries, Inc. (NYSE: GTLS), where she has served as President and CEO since 2018. Her extensive background includes roles as Chief Financial Officer at Truck-Lite Co. LLC and various executive positions at Dover Corporation (NYSE: DOV). Evanko holds a Master of Business Administration from The University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from La Salle University.

“I am excited to join Duravant and build upon the remarkable foundation established by Mike,” Evanko stated. She expressed her eagerness to work with the existing team to enhance the company’s mission and drive further success.

Kachmer’s tenure was marked by significant growth for Duravant, which he guided through 30 acquisitions and strategic partnerships. He played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s global footprint, establishing a presence in emerging markets such as Brazil, China, and India. His leadership helped shape Duravant into a formidable player in the industrial automation sector.

Jeff Goldfaden, Managing Director and Head of Industrials at Warburg Pincus and a member of Duravant’s Board of Directors, commented, “Mike’s retirement will mark the end of a remarkable career with Duravant. With his vision steering the company, Duravant has delivered unrivaled growth driven by innovation, operational excellence, and a fine-tuned customer focus.” Goldfaden looks forward to Evanko’s leadership, emphasizing her strategic mindset as a vital asset for the company’s future.

Wes Bieligk, Partner at Carlyle and another board member, praised Kachmer’s unwavering commitment, stating, “His leadership and strategic direction have been instrumental in shaping the company into the high-performing organization it is today.” He also expressed excitement about Evanko’s appointment, noting her accomplishments align with Duravant’s values of excellence and collaboration.

Kachmer remarked, “I am delighted that Jill will succeed me as CEO. Her extensive experience, demonstrated capabilities, and winning spirit make her the perfect person to lead Duravant forward.” He expressed confidence that Evanko and her leadership team would continue to build on the strong foundation established during his tenure.

Founded over a century ago, Duravant is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, and operates across food processing, packaging, and material handling industries. The company is recognized for delivering performance-driven technologies and integrated systems that enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety for clients in over 190 countries.

As Duravant prepares for this leadership transition, the company aims to maintain its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer success, ensuring its continued prominence in the global automation landscape. For further details, visit Duravant’s website at www.duravant.com.