Bacardi Limited has appointed KC Kavanagh as its new global chief communications officer.

She joins Bacardi from Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, where she worked for 18 years and led the company’s global communications.

Ms Kavanagh will be based at Bacardi’s headquarters on Pitts Bay Road. She succeeds Jim Gallagher, who has decided to step down from the position at the end of the year.

As a senior vice-president. Ms Kavanagh will report to Mike Dolan, chief executive officer of Bacardi Limited, and work closely with him, and chairman Facundo Bacardi, to develop “strategic internal and external corporate communications to support the family-owned company’s efforts to drive growth globally”, the company said in a statement.

She is to collaborate with the company’s brand marketing teams to develop integrated public relations campaigns, social media strategies and content marketing programmes for the portfolio of iconic brands.

“We are delighted to welcome KC to the Bacardi team,” said Mr Dolan.

“Her significant corporate and global experience, coupled with her success in launching and nurturing luxury, lifestyle and next generation brands, dovetails perfectly with our efforts to innovatively market our brands and cultivate meaningful relationships with our consumers around the globe.”

While working at Starwood, Ms Kavanagh led global communications for the company and its 11 brands, including Sheraton, Westin, St Regis and W Hotels. She was also a member of the company’s deal and integration team during Starwood’s merger with Marriott International.

Prior to Starwood, she oversaw public relations for Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Ms Kavanagh said: “I am honoured to join a company with such vibrant brands, tremendous global breadth and a storied family history that has inspired a culture of entrepreneurship and pride.

“I look forward to working with our team to creatively bring our stories and lore to life across many dynamic platforms.”