OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--President and Chief Executive Officer of The Gavilon Group, LLC, Greg Heckman, today announced his decision to leave Gavilon after a tremendously successful 30-year career with the company. Chief Operating Officer, Jim Anderson, has been named president and chief executive officer, effective immediately, and will work with Heckman to transition responsibilities through December 31, 2014.
Heckman’s leadership and vision helped to define Gavilon even before the company was formed in 2008, influencing the sale of ConAgra Trade Group and formation of Gavilon. At the helm of the newly independent company, he devoted the next five years pursuing an aggressive growth strategy on the heels of the global economic downturn and firmly established Gavilon as one of the top Grain Majors in the U.S. In 2012, Gavilon announced the sale of its agricultural business to Marubeni Corporation, one of the largest general trading companies in Japan, which was completed in July 2013.
“I have had the most remarkable journey with my team at Gavilon and am so proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Heckman. “I am confident in the company’s ability, under Jim’s leadership, to continue to grow and change to meet the needs of the marketplace.”
Anderson brings a wealth of industry experience and international expertise to the role. Prior to joining Gavilon in 2010, he was chief executive officer and member of the board of directors at United Malt Holdings (UMH), where he drove innovation and change across its seven companies to increase shareholder value. Prior to UMH, he spent 11 years in senior management roles at ConAgra Foods, where he met and worked with Heckman.
“Greg has made significant contributions to this company, and we would not be where we are today without his vision and leadership,” said Anderson. “It has been a privilege to work alongside him, and I look forward to continuing his legacy by maximizing our potential.”
About The Gavilon Group, LLC
The Gavilon Group, LLC connects producers and consumers of feed, food and fuel, linking agricultural supply with demand through its global supply chain network. The company provides origination, storage and handling, transportation and logistics, marketing and distribution, and risk management services to customers and suppliers across the globe.
Headquartered in Omaha, Neb., Gavilon employs 2,000 people at nearly 300 facilities and offices worldwide. For more information, please visit www.gavilon.com.