USA: Kraft Foods International Creates New Latin America Region

Kraft Foods International announced the creation of a new Latin America Region incorporating the food businesses previously managed by Philip Morris International, effective October 1, 2000. The food businesses in Mexico and Puerto Rico will report to Kraft Foods North America. Joachim Krawczyk, 49, has been appointed President of the newly-formed Latin America Region, reporting to Roger Deromedi, President and Chief Executive Officer. Krawczyk will relocate to the new Latin America Region Headquarters in Rye Brook, NY. Krawczyk, a 21-year company veteran, most recently was the President of Philip Morris International's Mercosur Region, which was responsible for the tobacco and food businesses in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay. Said Deromedi, "Joachim was a natural choice for this new position since he brings tremendous management and marketing skills, coupled with in-depth knowledge of the food business in Latin America." Kraft Foods International, one of the Philip Morris family of companies, currently operates in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Its primary focus is on five core food categories including coffee, confectionery, cheese, powdered soft drinks and grocery products. The Philip Morris family of companies is the world's largest producer and marketer of consumer packaged goods. Philip Morris Companies Inc. has five principal operating companies: Kraft Foods, Inc. (comprising Kraft Foods North America and Kraft Foods International), Miller Brewing Company, Philip Morris International Inc., Philip Morris Incorporated (PM USA) and Philip Morris Capital Corporation.