NATION

Mark H. Willes, a former Federal Reserve banker who has been executive vice president and chief financial officer at General Mills since 1980, was named to fill the vacant president’s post.

The Minneapolis-based food and restaurant company said several other corporate changes also were made “to broaden corporate responsibilities” of those officers.

Chairman and Chief Executive H.B. Atwater Jr., 54, said the changes were intended to provide “strong leadership for General Mills’ current and future needs.” The changes emphasize the company’s major growth opportunities, he said.

From 1977 to 1980, Willes, 43, was president of the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis. Before that he was with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

In his new post at General Mills, he has responsibility for all operating groups. Reporting to him are four executive vice presidents, who head their industry groups--Joe R. Lee, 45, restaurants; David R. Waters, 53, specialty retailing; Arthur R. Schulze, 54, grocery products, and Steven M. Rothschild, 40, convenience and international foods.

Atwater said Vice Chairman F. Caleb Blodgett, 58, who has headed the food operations for nearly 10 years, becomes chief financial and administrative officer.