OMAHA, NEBRASKA, U.S. — Jim Anderson has been named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of The Gavilon Group, LLC He succeeds Greg Heckman, who announced his decision to leave Gavilon after a 30-year career with the company. Anderson, who currently is chief operating officer, will work with Heckman to transition responsibilities through Dec. 31.

Anderson brings a wealth of industry experience and international expertise to the role. Prior to joining Gavilon in 2010, he was CEO and a member of the board of directors at United Malt Holdings (UMH). 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,” Anderson said. “It has been a privilege to work alongside him, and I look forward to continuing his legacy by maximizing our potential.”

Gavilon said Heckman’s leadership and vision helped define the company even before it 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 United States. In 2012, Gavilon announced the sale of its agricultural business to Marubeni Corp., 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,” Heckman said. “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.”