Chiquita Announces CFO Succession
Chiquita Brands International Inc. announces that the company's board of directors has appointed Michael Sims to the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer effective on Aug. 7, 2009 upon the filing of the company's Form 10-Q for the second quarter. Sims, the company's current vice president of corporate development and treasurer, will be responsible for all aspects of the company's financial operations worldwide. Jeffrey M. Zalla, Chiquita's current senior vice president and chief financial officer, will be leaving the company and pursuing a new business venture.
Sims is a 21-year veteran of Chiquita, who worked previously in financial reporting, strategic analysis, investor relations, corporate planning, and served for seven years as CFO of European operations. Subsequently, Sims led Chiquita's corporate development for the past two years, the execution of the company's ship sale in 2007 and the sale of Atlanta AG in 2008. He has also served as the company's treasurer, playing a key role in the company's successful refinancing last year. Prior to joining Chiquita, Sims worked for more than seven years with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young in Chicago and is a certified public accountant.
Sims is a 21-year veteran of Chiquita, who worked previously in financial reporting, strategic analysis, investor relations, corporate planning, and served for seven years as CFO of European operations. Subsequently, Sims led Chiquita's corporate development for the past two years, the execution of the company's ship sale in 2007 and the sale of Atlanta AG in 2008. He has also served as the company's treasurer, playing a key role in the company's successful refinancing last year. Prior to joining Chiquita, Sims worked for more than seven years with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young in Chicago and is a certified public accountant.