1. John Ruff, CFS
1312 Asbury Avenue
Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: 847-446-2377
Email: jxruff@gmail.com
JOHN RUFF, B.A., M.A., is a Past President of the Institute of Food
Technologists.
Mr. Ruff retired in 2008 as senior vice president, Global Quality, Scientific Affairs and Nutrition, for
Kraft Foods. Prior to joining Kraft, Mr. Ruff was a technical brand manager for Procter & Gamble in
England. During his 36-year career with Kraft and the former General Foods, Mr. Ruff worked in six
countries and gained experience in product and process development for beverages, coffee,
confectionery, desserts, and meals. He has led major basic research programs in sugar and salt
substitutes, food safety initiatives, and “greenfield” site startups. Mr. Ruff headed research and
development groups for both Kraft International and North American businesses where he
successfully integrated the technical operations of numerous acquisitions, established global centers
of expertise and led a worldwide advisory council consisting of external experts who helped guide
Kraft’s health and wellness initiatives.
Mr. Ruff served on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee on strategies to reduce sodium intake.
In addition to being a Past President of IFT, he is a Past President of the International Life Sciences
Institute, Past Chair of the Food Processors Association (NFPA), Past Chair of the IFT Foundation, and
a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Ruff received his M.A. in biochemistry and a B.A. in natural science from Cambridge University in
the United Kingdom.
Formal Education
College/University Degree
Cantab (UK) MA Biochemistry 1972
Cantab (UK) BA Natural Sciences 1968
Career History
2008-Present Retired. Serve on several not for profit Boards
2003-2008 SVP WW Quality, Nutrition and Scientific Affairs.
Initiated and led Global Health and Wellness program
1996-2003 SVP R&D Kraft NA. Led all technical activities for NA business.
1994-1996 SVP Kraft International based in Zurich.
Led all technical activities for Int'l business.
1991-1993 VP Jacob Suchard based in Zurich.
Led and integrated all technical activities of new acquisition.
1989-1991 VP Kraft Coffee Research. Led worldwide R&D all coffee businesses.
1985-1989 Director Maxwell House R&D. Led all NA coffee technical activities.
2. 1983-1985 Sr. Lab Mgr Research. Led taste mechanism research.
1972-1983 Various positions of increasing responsibility in UK, Netherlands, Ireland,
Belgium including product development on multiple categories, greenfield
factory startups, staff and planning roles.
1968-1972 Product Research Mgr P&G UK. Surface cleaners and Industrial fats
Volunteer Leadership Experience
Officer, IFT 2011-14
President, IFT 2012-13
IFT Board member 2007-2010
IFT Foundation Chair 2002-2006
IOM Sodium Committee 2009/10
ILSI President 2007-2009
NFPA Chair 2005
Numerous other Board committee roles at IFT, ILSI, NFPA, GMA, Joffrey Ballet
Professional and Community Recognition
Fellow IFST UK
Endresen Lecturer U Mass 2003
Numerous Kraft awards.
Several US and UK patents
Recent Publication
Mohamedshah FY, Ruff R. 2014. Dietary guidance and the role of food science: Developing health
foods to help Americans achieve the dietary recommendations. Nutrition Today 49(6):284-290.
