Speaker Details
Jeff Zalla
CFO, Chiquita
Jeff Zalla is senior vice president and chief financial officer of Chiquita Brands International, Inc., where he is responsible for all aspects of the companys financial operations worldwide. He assumed this role in May 2005.
Most recently, Zalla served as vice president of finance for Chiquita Fresh North America and previously served as treasurer and corporate responsibility officer for Chiquita Brands International, Inc. As treasurer, he led the companys banking, treasury operations, credit, risk management and financial analysis functions. As the companys first corporate responsibility officer, he oversaw the companys implementation of best practices and its adherence to leading environmental, social and ethical standards, and was responsible for the measurement, verification and reporting of the companys performance in these areas. In this role, he reported to the nominating and governance committee of the companys board of directors.
Zalla has worked for Chiquita in increasingly important finance, strategic analysis and corporate communications positions since 1990, and served as executive sponsor of the companys global management development program for five years. Prior to joining Chiquita, he worked as an auditor and consultant in the Emerging Business Services practice of Deloitte & Touche.
Zalla graduated summa cum laude from Thomas More College in 1985 with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration and accounting. After receiving his CPA, he earned his MBA with distinction from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1990. Zalla is a member of the board of directors of Business for Social Responsibility.
