CHICAGO – John Ruff has been named president of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). In the position, he will succeed Roger Clemens and will work with members and staff to support IFT’s mission of advancing the science of food to ensure a safe and healthy food supply.

Ruff was previously senior vice president of Kraft Foods Inc. During his career, he has headed R&D for international and North American businesses. He also has served on the Institute of Medicine committee on strategies to reduce sodium intake, and is the past president of the International Life Sciences Institute and past chair of the Food Processors Association as well as a fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology in the United Kingdom.