Clarke, who has served as vice-president of IGD for the past two years, will succeed Mars Chocolate UK president Fiona Dawson.
Dawson has held the role for the past two years.
Clarke said he was delighted to take on the mantle of IGD president.
“In my 30 years in this industry I've never known a period as challenging and exciting as we're currently in,” he said.
“The pace of change is phenomenal and the UK is leading the way in many areas. The IGD makes a real difference to our sector and to the UK economy – be it through our output, job creation or skills – and I’m hugely proud to have the opportunity to lead it.”
Wealth of experience
Joanne Denney-Finch, IGD ceo, said Clarke would bring a wealth of experience from shop floor to top floor and as vice-president.
“[He] has already clearly demonstrated his passion and support for IGD, not least for our work on Feeding Britain’s Future and Working on Waste,” said Clarke.
“Clarke now takes the reins as president in what is set to be a very exciting year for IGD and our industry, as we focus on our core pillars of people development and working towards a secure and sustainable future, ultimately delivering the needs of the public.”