James G. Hillenbrand
Retired President and CEO
W. C. Bradley Co.
James G. Hillenbrand served as president and CEO of the W.C. Bradley Co. before retiring in late 2025.
Founded in 1885, the company is a privately held, family-owned, Columbus, Ga.-based global, multi-brand provider of consumer goods, properties and services focused primarily on home and leisure lifestyle markets. Hillenbrand led the development and execution of long-term strategies across the company’s consumer products businesses, real estate operations and other investment holdings.
Hillenbrand was highly instrumental in W. C. Bradley’s growth and development in the 21st century. He joined the company in 2001 and served as executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Prior to those roles, he assumed leadership positions in several of the company’s holdings, including president and CEO of Char-Broil; president and COO of Lamplight; and VP of finance for Zebco Brands. In each role, Hillenbrand improved financial performance, managed key acquisitions and developed future leaders for the business.
Hillenbrand previously worked for Deloitte in Chicago, and in 1995, he joined the Brunswick Corporation. He holds a BBA in business administration (public accounting) from Loyola University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
In addition to serving on GRA’s Board of Trustees, Hillenbrand has served or currently serves on several other boards and committees, including the National Infantry Museum, United Way, Historic Columbus Foundation, Columbus 2025, and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
