Diversified foods giantKraft Foods, Northfield, Ill., saidSam Rovitwill join the company as executive vice president, Strategy, beginning Jan. 29.  Kraft said Rovit, 52, will be responsible for "collaborating 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."

Rovit succeeds Michael Osanloo, President of Kraft Foods' North America grocery business. Rovit will report to Chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld.

"Sam has impressive strategic and operational experience in the consumer packaged goods industry as CEO of Swift and as a senior partner in a blue-chip consulting firm," said Rosenfeld.  "His deep understanding of corporate, customer, category and channel strategies will be instrumental in Kraft's delivery of top-tier financial results."

Kraft said Rovit has more than  20 years of global growth and cost leadership strategy experience across a variety of industries. He recently led Bain & Co.'s Global Agribusiness, Global Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate Renewal practices.  He also served as CEO Swift & Co. from 2005 to 2007 and led the turnaround of that business, officials said.