NORTHFIELD, ILL. — Kraft Foods has named Timothy P. Cofer to the position of executive vice-president and president of Kraft Foods Europe. Mr. Cofer succeeds Michael A. Clarke, who is leaving the company. The change will take place mid-August.

“Tim is a very talented and highly successful leader who can quickly transition into this role,” said Irene Rosenfeld, chairman and chief executive officer of Kraft Foods. “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.”

Mr. Cofer joined Kraft in 1992 and most recently was senior vice-president, global chocolate category team. He has a master’s in business administration from the University of Minnesota.