Dive Brief:

• Food supplier Cargill Inc. said finance veteran Joanne Knight has been named CFO of the company, after serving in the role on an interim basis.

• Knight was appointed acting CFO last month, replacing Jamie Miller, who left to become global finance chief of a proposed public company associated with Ernst & Young. 

• The latest change, announced Monday, is effective immediately, Cargill spokesperson April Nelson told CFO Dive Tuesday.

Dive Insight:

Cargill simultaneously announced that Philippa Purser, who currently serves as the company’s agriculture supply chain group leader in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has become head of strategy and global process leader. 

In a company statement, Cargill CEO Brian Sikes described Knight and Purser as “exceptional leaders with a compelling blend of strategic discipline, well-honed operating skills, and a relentless passion for serving our customers and people. I am looking forward to their continued leadership and partnership,” he said.

The changes come on the heels of Sikes being promoted from chief operating officer to CEO of the Minnetonka, Minn.-based company, which distributes grain and other agricultural commodities. 

The food company, which is privately held, recorded $165 billion in revenue for 2022, a 23% increase from a year ago, according to its 2022 annual report.

Knight previously served as vice president of finance for Cargill's agriculture supply chain enterprise. Before joining the company, she spent 10 years at General Mills serving in various roles, including finance and marketing. She also held finance leadership roles at Wachovia. 

Knight earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Management from the University of Virginia and her Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University.