Bermuda-based Bacardi Ltd. announced the election of two new directors to its board.

Jay McDowell and Guy Peyrelongue are retiring from the board, with Michael Dolan and John Galantic taking over following the company's annual general meeting in Hamilton last week.

Mr. Dolan, 62, retired as executive vice-president and chief financial officer of Viacom Inc. in December 2006, a position he held for two years, starting in May 2004. He currently serves on the board of directors of Mattel Inc. and on the board of America's Choice.

Mr. Galantic, 47, is president, US, and chief operating officer of Chanel Inc., a role he assumed in November 2006. He was previously president of Coty Beauty US at Coty Inc. from 2001 to 2006.

"We are very pleased to have both Michael Dolan and John Galantic join our board," said Bacardi chairman Facundo Bacardi.

"The vast experience these two individuals bring in finance, operations, and consumer marketing will be very helpful to the company as we continue to extend our leadership positions within the spirits industry."