Eric J. Joiner is co-founder and vice chairman of AJC International, which was incorporated in 1972. He served as president and chief operating officer for almost 20 years. During his time as president, Joiner led the company in its rapid expansion into China, South America and Russia, and to its position as the premier international protein provider. He also currently serves as vice chairman of Amerifoods, an AJC International affiliate based in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Prior to co-founding AJC International, he worked in aircraft sales with Lockheed Aircraft Corp. and in sales management with United States Lines. Then, he co-founded AJC International with Jim Chalmers and fellow 2012 Hall of Fame inductee Gerald Allison.

Joiner is a past chairman and director for life of the United States Poultry and Egg Export Council. He currently serves as the chairman of the council’s International Poultry Development Program. He is also a past member of the board of directors of the National Chicken Council and Frosty Acres Brands, Inc. In 2011, he received a lifetime achievement award from the National Poultry Food Distributors Association.

He serves on the board of advisors for the Carter Center in Atlanta and for the Robinson College. In 2012, he received the GSU Robinson College of Business Global Leadership Award. Joiner is a founder and trustee of the Lee Campbell Education Foundation, as well as past chairman of the board of Senior Citizens of Metro Atlanta.

Joiner received a BBA and MBA from the Robinson College of Business in 1966 and 1969, respectively.