KANKAKEE, ILL. — Craig R. Petray has been named chief executive officer of the J.R. Short Milling Co., a producer of ingredients for the snack and food industry. Mr. Petray, who previously headed The NutraSweet Co. in Chicago, will replace interim c.e.o. Jeff Hebble effective Jan. 20.

Mr. Petray has spent most of his career in the consumer products and food ingredient businesses, rising through the ranks to become c.e.o. of NutraSweet in 2004. Under his leadership, the company evolved from its patent-protected aspartame business into a leading manufacturer of high-intensity sweeteners. Prior to becoming c.e.o. of Chicago-based NutraSweet, he ran the company’s consumer product and ingredient businesses in Asia, Europe, and North America.

“Use of our custom-tailored and highly versatile product has been growing rapidly,” said Tom Harris, chairman of J.R. Short. “This is true in both crisp and shaped products, whether destined for the retail or food service channel. Craig gives us the kind of broad food and ingredient industry experience that we need to develop and expand our customer relationships.”

Mr. Harris added Mr. Petray is ideally suited to J.R. Short’s desire “to build a company with the best people, the best facilities, and the highest quality products.”