NEW YORK — Colgate-Palmolive Co. has elected Helene Gayle and Joseph Jimenez to its board of directors, effective March 1. 

The consumer products giant also announced Thursday that Jill Conway, a director since 1984, will retire from the board on May 7, the end of her current term.

As president and chief executive officer of CARE USA, Gayle, 54, leads and manages one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. As an expert and leader in the global public health field, she brings to Colgate’s board a deep understanding of the importance of health and hygiene around the world where Colgate’s oral and personal care products are sold, the consumer goods company stated.

Jimenez, 50, was named CEO of Novartis AG in January 2010, having previously led Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Consumer Health units starting in 2007. Colgate noted that Jimenez brings to its board extensive leadership experience in the consumer products industry as former CEO of Heinz Europe and Heinz North America and having held senior leadership and marketing positions with Conagra Grocery Products.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Gayle and Mr. Jimenez to the board and are pleased that they will contribute their outstanding capabilities to Colgate," commented Colgate-Palmolive chairman and CEO Ian Cook. "Jill Conway has our profound thanks for her immeasurable contributions to Colgate’s business success and governance excellence, and we extend our best wishes for her retirement."