NORTHFIELD, ILL. — Sam Rovit has been named executive vice-president of strategy at Kraft Foods Inc., effective Jan 29.

Mr. Rovit will work closely with the business and functions to implement the company’s strategic priorities for growth and cost leadership as well as accelerating the performance of the current portfolio and channels. He was previously with Bain & Co., and has more than 20 years of global growth and cost leadership strategy experience in a variety of industries. He was also chief executive officer of Swift & Co. from 2005 to 2007.

“Sam has impressive strategic and operational experience in the consumer packaged goods industry as c.e.o. of Swift and as a senior partner in a blue-chip consulting firm,” said Irene Rosenfeld, chief executive officer. “His deep understanding of corporate, customer, category and channel strategies will be instrumental in Kraft’s delivery of top-tier financial results.”

Mr. Rovit will take over for Michael Osanloo, who is now president of Kraft Foods’ grocery business in North America. He has a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School as well as a master’s degree in military strategy, Asian studies and international business from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.