December 15/Northfield, Ill./PRNewswire-FirstCall -- Kraft Foods Inc. announced that Michael A. Clarke has been named president, Kraft Europe, effective in January 2009. Clarke joins Kraft from The Coca-Cola Company, where he served most recently as president of its Northwest Europe and Nordics business unit. Clarke will be responsible for Kraft's European business, based in Zurich, Switzerland. He will report to chair and CEO Irene Rosenfeld and become a member of the Kraft executive team.

"Mike brings a terrific mix of strategic, financial and operating experience," said Rosenfeld. "I'm confident his experience and strong track record of results will build on our momentum in Europe."

Sanjay Khosla, president, Kraft International, will continue to lead Kraft's businesses in developing markets, which are a significant part of Kraft's future growth, reporting to Rosenfeld. He will also assume expanded responsibilities with leadership oversight for Kraft's global category teams in snacking and beverages in North America, Europe and developing markets.

Before joining Kraft, Clarke worked for 12 years at Coca-Cola in multiple businesses and geographies, including Europe, the U.S. and developing markets, where he consistently drove business growth and customer value. Earlier, he had an extensive career with Reebok International in various general management, finance and operations positions in Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Clarke began his career in accountancy with Deloitte. Clarke earned his bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Cape Town in his native South Africa.

From the December 22, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash