July 14/London/RTTNews -- British food company Premier Foods Plc said Michael Clarke will take over as the new chief executive officer effective September, succeeding Robert Schofield. Clarke is currently president of Kraft Foods Europe.

Schofield is retiring and will now leave the business following a short handover, the company said.

Before taking up his role at Kraft Foods Europe in 2009, Clarke was president of Coca-Cola's Northwest Europe (including the U.K.) & Nordics operation. He was in the company's service for 12 years and occupied various senior roles.

Prior to that, he was vice president for Reebok South Asia/Pacific. He is currently non-executive director of Wolseley Plc.

Commenting on the CEO appointment, Ronnie Bell, chairman of the company, said, "I am delighted to welcome Mike as CEO. He has had a significant and successful career in the food and drinks industry and brings with him a wealth of strategic brand experience combined with a strong financial and operational background."

From the July 14, 2011,Prepared Foods' Daily News.