Bacardi chief executive officer Ed Shirley is to leave the company after two years in the top job, the Bermuda-based beverage giant announced last night.

“Mr Shirley expressed his plans to return to retirement after a successful 36-year career,” Bacardi said in a statement.

An interim CEO will be announced shortly and will serve until a successor is appointed. Pending that announcement, the executive leadership team will report to chairman Facundo Bacardi.

“Ed leaves Bacardi a stronger organisation from his dedication to the company and its brands,” Mr Bacardi said. “We thank Ed for his commitment and passion to Bacardi and we all wish him well.”

Mr Shirley took the CEO’s job in March 2012 at the age of 55, after a 27-year career with Gillette, and a shorter stint with Procter & Gamble.

During his time with Bacardi, the company acquired St-Germain elderflower liqueur.

Bacardi added that Mr Shirley “helped reignite the company’s global marketing” with new campaigns for Bacardi rum, Dewar’s whisky, Grey Goose vodka and Martini vermouth and Italian sparkling wines.

The company also topped the rankings in The Bottom Line’s Top Ten Employers That Stand Out survey in 2012 under Mr Shirley’s leadership.