WS Packaging Group, Inc. has announced the hiring of Jeff Hayenga as its new chief financial officer. He brings over 20 years of global experience and broad industry knowledge to his new position, which he began April 21.

“With his knowledge and experience in business development, financial reporting, operational support, costing, mergers and acquisitions, and systems, Jeff is an outstanding addition to our team,” says Fred Tinsey, chief executive officer. “In addition to his global experience and broad industry knowledge, he has a team-oriented approach and empowered management philosophy that complement positive change.”

Hayenga will be responsible for leading the finance, accounting and IT organizations. He joins WS Packaging from Central Garden & Pet, where he held the role of Garden Segment CFO and was responsible for a multiple-site, multiple-branded business generating revenue in excess of $800 million. During his tenure he consolidated the business into one cohesive operating unit from a holding company environment and also consolidated the business from multiple operating systems to a single platform providing internal operating information and metrics.

Prior to Central Garden & Pet, Hayenga was CFO with Shop-Vac Corporation, an international manufacturer and distributor of wet/dry vacuums. Prior to Shop-Vac, he held various VP-level roles with both business unit and supply oversight at Newell Rubbermaid. Earlier in his career he held VP and controller roles at Goodrich Aerospace, Pacific Scientific, and Rockwell International. Hayenga earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from Rockford College in Rockford, IL, USA.