Commenting on his appointment, which is effective January 1, 2008, Rigaudeau said, "I'm honored and excited to become head of Kraft's European business at this critical juncture. More than ever, from chocolate to cheese to coffee, European consumers are looking for a choice of high quality, great-tasting foods and beverages that represent good value. Kraft is delivering, which is why we're making progress on the top line. I look forward to building on the momentum that the team has begun to create."

Joachim Krawczyk's international career with Kraft began in Germany and took him from his first job in 1979 as assistant brand manager for Jacobs, to general manager of Suchard/Tobler 10years later. He then held positions of increasing responsibility with Philip Morris International in Latin America, and in 2000, became the first president of Kraft's new Latin America region.

Krawczyk returned to Europe in 2003 as president of the West Central Europe Region and was named group vice president and president of the EU Region in 2005. As leader of Kraft's EU business, he has driven its turnaround over the past two years.

Before taking on Kraft's EU chocolate business earlier this year, Rigaudeau was vice president and area director for Kraft in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and for World Travel Retail.

From the December 3, 2007, Prepared Foods e-Flash