Winemaker Treasury Wine Estates has appointed Michael Clarke as its new chief executive.

Most recently, Clarke was chief executive of the UK publicly-listed Premier Foods, based in London, where he led a significant turnaround of that company, Treasury Wine said.

He’s also held senior executive roles at Kraft Foods and Coca-Cola.

Clarke will join Treasury Wine in March and start a handover with interim chief executive Warwick Every-Burns.

He will formally start as chief executive on March 31.

“Mike’s work on some of the world’s leading brands is second to none, and he has previously lived and worked in Australia, America, Asia and Europe; all key regions where TWE operates,” Treasury Wine chairman Paul Rayner said in a statement on Thursday.

“In addition, he has extensive agribusiness and consumer drinks experience.

“In short, he has proven leadership ability and a track record of consistently driving improved business results.”

Clarke said that like most companies, TWE faced challenges.

“But I believe the opportunities are immense, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the business to ensure that these are fully realised,” he said.