Ruff, formerly senior vice president of Kraft Foods, will work with members and staff to advance the science of food to ensure a safe, abundant and healthful food supply.
He has served on the Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee to reduce sodium intake, a past president of the International Life Sciences Institute and past chair of the Food Processors Association (NFPA).
Ruff was elected to the Feeding Tomorrow Board of Trustees in 1998 and chaired the organization for two terms.
He initiated and chaired the first senior food officials annual forum meeting, served on the global task force and was elected to the IFT Board of Directors in 2007.