Golden State Foods (GSF), one of the largest diversified food processors and distributors in the quick service restaurant industry, has announced the promotion of Joe Heffington to corporate vice president and chief accounting officer.

Heffington will continue to be responsible for all accounting, tax and financial planning and analysis functions for the company as it expands throughout the world. He previously served as the corporate vice president of finance for the past 4 years, and will report to Bill Sanderson, corporate senior vice president and chief financial officer.

“Joe has done an outstanding job in his role as Vice President, Finance for Golden State Foods the past four years,” said Bill Sanderson, corporate senior vice president and chief financial officer. “He has developed trusted relationships with our operations leadership across the enterprise, and he has helped build a team of talented professionals with the technical skills and expertise to lead an accounting and finance group responsible for the financial affairs of a global portfolio of companies.”

Heffington was critical in establishing the company’s banking relationship and financing arrangements in China through GSF’s joint venture partner, KanPak China. He also led the effort to standardize accounting processes and procedures across multiple distribution centers, creating greater efficiencies and productivity. This includes working with the group’s accounting administrative managers to implement consistent policies, procedures and reporting formats. Heffington will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for Groenz Group Limited, a joint venture partner with GSF, providing direction and support on the business in New Zealand.

“Joe will help the company navigate domestic and foreign subsidiaries as well as explore further opportunities for integration, including the complexities and challenges in financing, foreign exchange and hedging requirements to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers,” continued Sanderson.

Prior to joining GSF, Heffington spent three decades in accounting and finance, as a CPA working for Deloitte and Touche, and as CFO for Danish Creamery Association, California Milk Producers and California Dairies Inc.

Source: Golden State Foods