* Longworth set to retire at end March 2010

* Two seats vacant on rate-setting council

* Incoming officials will help steer exit strategy

OTTAWA, Nov 12 (Reuters) - The Bank of Canada will lose two of its most senior officials early next year, allowing Governor Mark Carney to bring in fresh blood just as he plots an exit from record-low interest rates as the economy recovers.

The central bank said on Thursday that Deputy Governor David Longworth, 57, will retire at the end of March 2010.

Two weeks ago Senior Deputy Governor Paul Jenkins said he would step down when his seven-year term ends in April 2010.

The bank said it will select a replacement for Longworth after finding a successor to Jenkins by February.

Longworth leaves the bank after a 35-year career at the institution. He joined in 1974 as a researcher and worked his way up the ranks until he was appointed advisor to the governor in 2000. He has held his current position since April 2003.

Longworth and deputy governor Pierre Duguay are the two deputies responsible for issues related to promoting a stable financial system.