Bacardi Limited hired Eric A. Kraus to fill a newly created position of Senior Vice President, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer.

When he joins the company later this month, Kraus will be responsible for overseeing the company’s corporate communications, external affairs and corporate responsibility on a global basis, including the U.S. subsidiary based in Coral Gables. He will also service as a member of the Bermuda-based company’s senior leadership team and report to Ed Shirley, Bacardi’s president and chief executive officer.

“We’re thrilled to add Eric to Bacardi,” Shirley said. “He will further drive our commitment to corporate responsibility, company reputation, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders globally,”

Kraus, 51, most recently served as senior vice president of corporate communications and public affairs of Covidien, formerly Tyco Healthcare. Prior to joining Covidien in July 2006, Kraus held executive positions with the Procter & Gamble Company and Gillette Company. Before getting into public relations, he was a reporter at the Boston Herald.

“I look forward to leading the team and leveraging the award-winning campaigns that continue to tell the unique story of Bacardi,” Kraus said.