UK food manufacturer Premier Foods has appointed Michael Clarke, the head of Kraft Foods' European operations, as its next CEO. The food sector veteran will succeed Premier’s chief executive Robert Schofield on September 1. Analysts are cautiously optimistic that Clarke’s experience will help to turn around Premier’s fortunes.
A native of South Africa, Michael Clarke joined Kraft Foods in January 2009. As senior vice president of Kraft's global chocolate division, Clarke led the integration team when Kraft bought Cadbury in 2010. He also headed up the Oscar Mayer business and the US pizza business. Clarke held the position of president of Coca-Cola for northwest Europe before moving to Kraft. Timothy Cofer, who has worked at Kraft for 19 years, will take Clarke’s position at Kraft.
Premier Foods shares rose by 20 per cent following the appointment of its new chief executive. (15 July)
© 2011 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
