Consumer packaged goods giantKraft Foods Inc., Northfield, Ill., identified leaders for its global snacks and North American grocery companies -- in advance of the company's planned 2012 spin-off.

In December, Kraft saidW. Anthony (Tony) Vernon, executive vice president and president, Kraft Foods North America, will eventually lead the $17 billion North American grocery company as chief executive officer. John  Cahill, an industrial partner with Ripplewood Holdings LLC, will serve as non-executive chairman.

Crain's Chicago Businessreported earlier this month that Kraft has named additional executives to Nor th American grocery business posts. Effective upon the split, North American grocery officials will include ...

... Marc Firestone as executive vice president for corporate and legal affairs, and general counsel;
... Michael Hsuas executive vice president and chief commercial officer, in charge of sales, foodservice, Puerto Rico and export markets;
... Sam Rovit as executive vice president of strategy (strategy, mergers and acquisitions);

Kraft said it will hire two additional executives to lead North Americansupply chainand North Americanresearch, development and quality functions.

Other business leaders will include ...

... Timothy McLevishas executive vice president and chief financial officer;
... Dino Biancoas executive vice president and president, Canada;
... Nicholas Meriggiolias executive vice president and president, Oscar Mayer;
... George Zoghbi as executive vice president and president, cheese and dairy.