Xero targets overseas market with US-based Douglas Jeffries named as CFO

Xero has today announced Douglas Jeffries as its executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Jeffries replaces Ross Jenkins, Xero's current CFO, who will assume a new role as Xero's chief operating officer responsible for all field operations.

Xero says the expansion of its leadership team reflects the company's strong growth in all markets. More than 400,000 businesses and their advisors use Xero's accounting software in over 180countries.

Jeffries brings 30 years of financial, strategic and operational leadership at growth companies and category leaders such as RetailMeNot, Taleo Corporation (acquired by Oracle), Palm (acquired by HP), and Ebay.

"I'm excited to be joining a company so focused on delivering a compelling user experience through product innovation, and in turn driving incredible growth", say Jeffries.

"Xero is poised to become the platform millions of small businesses and their advisors run and grow on around the world.

He will be responsible for all of Xero's financial and administrative functions.

Jeffries will be based out of San Francisco and report to Xero's chief executive officer, Rod Drury. He will take up his new position by March this year.

"Xero's leadership and potential are evidenced by the talent we are attracting," says Drury. "Doug brings a world class technology finance background to ready us for more growth and strengthen our leadership in North America.

"Ross' ability to now focus on scaling our field operations to address the incredible market opportunity is perfectly timed," he says.

In addition, Xero announced Greg Volm, previously senior director of North America sales for Zendesk, as vice president of US dales; and Matt Jefferson as UK sales director.

Drury says, "Greg and Matt offer us years of experience in successful sales execution. I couldn't be happier with this next iteration of our organisation and its leadership.