UK food manufacturer Premier Foods plc has appointed Mike Clarke, the head of Kraft Foods’ European operations, as its next CEO.

Clarke will replace Premier’s current CEO Robert Schofield in September. Schofield announced in April that he would step down within a year but there were calls from shareholders last week to hasten his departure after the company posted a profit warning on 30 June.

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Premier described Clarke as one of the “most senior executives in the European food industry” and, in his role with Kraft, he was responsible for managing operations generating US$13bn in revenue, 58 manufacturing sites and 25,000 employees.

Prior to his role at Kraft, Clarke was president of The Coca-Cola Co.’s north-weste Europe and Nordic division. He was also vice president of a Reebok’s business in Asia-Pacific and began his career in South Africa with Deloitte.

Commenting on the appointment, Premier chairman Ronnie Bell said: “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. He has an impressive track record and I very much look forward to working with him as we focus on delivering our branded growth strategy and continuing to reduce debt.”

Kraft confirmed that Clarke will be replaced by Timothy Cofer, who is senior vice president for the US food company’s global chocolate category team.

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Since joining the company in 1992, Cofer has progressed through a number of marketing, strategy, and general management roles. He was previously senior vice president, strategy and integration, leading the global integration team following Kraft’s acquisition of Cadbury in 2010.

“It’s disappointing to say goodbye to a talented colleague but we respect Mike’s decision, which will allow him to be closer to his family in the UK We wish him the very best,” said Kraft chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld.

“Fortunately, we have a strong bench, and Tim is a talented and highly successful leader who can quickly transition into this role. Tim has nearly 20 years with the company. He has experience in multiple categories and geographies, including intimate knowledge of our European and global chocolate businesses. I’m confident that Tim’s expertise and leadership skills will enable him to seamlessly build on the great results that our European team has been delivering.”