USA – Agricultural commodities trading company, Cargill has announced that Jamie Miller, is stepping down just 18 months after joining the company from GE where she had held various leadership positions.
Miller is leaving Cargill to take up a new role as Global chief financial officer (CFO) of UK-headquartered Audit and Consultancy firm Ernst & Young (EY).
Miller’s departure comes less than three months after the company announced the promotion of Brian Sikes, to CEO. Sikes, who has been with the agribusiness giant company for 31 years, succeeded David MacLennan, who had been with the company for nine years.
“We are grateful for Jamie’s service to Cargill,” said Brian Sikes, president, and chief executive officer of Cargill adding that during her reign, the company has further strengthened the business model, expanded the business portfolio, and is well positioned for long-term success.
During Ms. Miller’s tenure at Cargill, the company, alongside investment firm Continental Grain Co., completed a US$4.5 billion acquisition of Sanderson Farms Inc., one of the country’s largest poultry producers.
Sanderson was later merged with Wayne Farms LLC, a poultry company owned by Continental. Cargill and Continental evenly share ownership of the combined company, now known as Wayne-Sanderson Farms.
Joanne Knight takes over as Interim CFO
As Cargill searches for Miller’s replacement, Joanne Knight, Vice President of Finance for Cargill’s Agriculture Supply Chain enterprise, will serve as the company’s acting CFO.
According to the company, Joanne is highly regarded by the board and executive team for her strong track record of leadership and operating results and is well-equipped to take the role of acting CFO.
She will step into the role from a position of strength as a seasoned finance leader who has built her career on delivering results through dynamic market cycles.
Before Cargill, Knight spent 10 years in finance, marketing, and business leadership roles at General Mills, Inc. which included profit and loss responsibility.
She also held roles in supply chain finance, sales finance, and financial planning and analysis as well as finance leadership at Wachovia.
Knight has a bachelor’s degree in finance and management from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University.
For all the latest food industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
