{"id":981150,"date":"2026-07-13T16:42:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T20:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/brown-forman-announces-president-ceo-lawson-whiting-to-retire\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T16:42:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T20:42:06","slug":"brown-forman-announces-president-ceo-lawson-whiting-to-retire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/brown-forman-announces-president-ceo-lawson-whiting-to-retire\/","title":{"rendered":"Brown-Forman Announces President & CEO Lawson Whiting to Retire"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Brown-Forman Announces President & CEO <\/b>Lawson Whiting to Retire<\/b><\/p>\n

Board Initiates Search Process for Successor; Company Reiterates Fiscal 2027 Outlook<\/i><\/p>\n

LOUISVILLE, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE<\/a>)–
\nBrown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BFA, BFB) today announced Lawson Whiting has decided to retire from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective upon the appointment of a successor. The Brown-Forman Board of Directors has initiated a search pursuant to its succession process that will consider internal and external candidates. The process will be led by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, which is chaired by Tracy Skeans. Whiting will remain available to serve in an advisory capacity for a period of time following the appointment of a successor to ensure business continuity and support a smooth handover.<\/p>\n

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20260713971184\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"After<\/p>\n

After nearly 30 years with Brown-Forman, Lawson Whiting has decided to retire from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective upon the appointment of a successor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n\u201cOn behalf of the Board and the Brown family, I want to thank Lawson for his nearly 30 years of dedication to Brown-Forman,\u201d said Marshall B. Farrer, Chairman of Brown-Forman. \u201cLawson has been a steadfast steward of founder George Garvin Brown\u2019s vision \u2013 leading this company through an era of macro challenges and change with a clear and consistent vision for building the most premium portfolio in the industry and ensuring there was \u2018Nothing Better in the Market.\u2019 Under Lawson\u2019s leadership, Jack Daniel’s extended its presence into new international markets and categories, Woodford Reserve grew into the world\u2019s leading super-premium American whiskey, and our founding brand, Old Forester, tripled in volume and increased net sales six-fold over the last decade. Today, Brown-Forman\u2019s portfolio is one of the most respected in the global spirits industry. The Board is deeply grateful for his leadership and his commitment to the people and brands of Brown-Forman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nFarrer added, \u201cWe appreciate Lawson giving us ample notice of his decision to retire, as it allows the Board the opportunity to conduct a robust review of both internal and external talent. As we begin our search pursuant to our succession process, we do so with confidence in our business, our people, and our opportunities to create long-term value for all Brown-Forman stakeholders. Lawson will continue to advance our strategic and operational priorities, including expanding our geographic footprint, building brands that resonate with consumers, and enhancing operational efficiency, while the Board conducts the succession process.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\u201cIt has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Brown-Forman,\u201d said Lawson Whiting, President and Chief Executive Officer of Brown-Forman. \u201cFrom my earliest days with the company to my time as CEO, my tenure has been defined by the extraordinary people I have worked alongside. We are entering this transition from a position of strength. Brown-Forman has principled leadership, a foundation of iconic brands, and a global team with immense depth and talent. I have every confidence that the succession process will surface the right leader for Brown-Forman\u2019s next generation of growth, and I look forward to supporting a seamless handoff that ensures our momentum never wavers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nWolf Pen Branch, which represents a controlling interest in Brown-Forman said, \u201cWe appreciate Lawson\u2019s leadership and three decades of dedicated service to Brown-Forman. We are confident in the competitive position and financial strength of the business and in the Board’s process underway to identify the next CEO to capitalize on growth opportunities for Brown-Forman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nBrown-Forman also reiterated today its fiscal 2027 outlook as disclosed on June 4, 2026.<\/p>\n

About Brown-Forman Corporation:<\/b><\/p>\n

\nBrown-Forman Corporation is a global leader in the spirits industry, responsibly building exceptional beverage alcohol brands for more than 155 years. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, we are guided by our founding promise, \u201cNothing Better in the Market.\u201d Our premium portfolio includes the Jack Daniel\u2019s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, New Mix, el Jimador, Herradura, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplom\u00e1tico Rum, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Chambord, and Slane. With approximately 4,900 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for fine-quality spirits in more than 170 countries. Learn more at brown-forman.com<\/a> and stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.<\/p>\n

Forward Looking Statements:<\/b><\/p>\n

\nThis press release contains statements, estimates, and projections that are \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as \u201caim,\u201d \u201cambition,\u201d \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201caspire,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201ccan,\u201d \u201ccontinue,\u201d \u201ccould,\u201d \u201cenvision,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201cexpectation,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cmight,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cpotential,\u201d \u201cproject,\u201d \u201cpursue,\u201d \u201csee,\u201d \u201cseek,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cwould,\u201d and similar words indicate forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date we make them. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors (many beyond our control) that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n