Brown-Forman (NYSE: BF) CEO Lawson Whiting to Retire as Board Starts Search
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Brown-Forman Corporation reported that President and Chief Executive Officer Lawson Whiting has decided to retire after nearly 30 years with the company. His retirement will become effective upon the appointment of a successor, and he will remain available in an advisory capacity for a period of time to support a smooth transition.
The Board of Directors has begun a CEO search pursuant to its succession process, considering both internal and external candidates, led by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee chaired by Tracy Skeans. Wolf Pen Branch, which represents a controlling interest, expressed confidence in the company’s competitive position and in the Board’s process to identify the next CEO. The company also reiterated its previously disclosed fiscal 2027 outlook.
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8-K Event Classification
3 items: 5.02, 7.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
CEO tenure: nearly 30 years
Years in business: more than 155 years
Employees worldwide: approximately 4,900
+1 more
4 metrics
CEO tenure
nearly 30 years
Length of Lawson Whiting’s service to Brown-Forman
Years in business
more than 155 years
Time Brown-Forman has been building beverage alcohol brands
Employees worldwide
approximately 4,900
Global workforce size cited in company description
Countries served
more than 170 countries
Scope of Brown-Forman’s global spirits distribution
Key Terms
Regulation FD Disclosure, succession process, forward-looking statements, family “controlled company”, +1 more
5 terms
Regulation FD Disclosure regulatory
"Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure. On July 13, 2026, the Company issued a press release"
Regulation FD disclosure requires public companies to share important, market-moving information with everyone at the same time instead of tipping off analysts or large investors first. Think of it as making sure all players on a field hear the same announcement simultaneously; that fairness helps investors trust that stock prices reflect the same information and reduces the risk of sudden, unfair trading advantages or regulatory penalties for selective leaks.
succession process regulatory
"initiated a search pursuant to its succession process that will consider internal"
forward-looking statements regulatory
"This press release contains statements, estimates, and projections that are “forward-looking statements”"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
family “controlled company” regulatory
"Our status as a family “controlled company” under New York Stock Exchange rules"
FAQ
What leadership change did Brown-Forman (BF) disclose on July 13, 2026?
Brown-Forman disclosed that President and CEO Lawson Whiting has decided to retire. His retirement is effective upon the appointment of a successor, after which he may serve in an advisory capacity for a period of time.
How is Brown-Forman (BF) handling the CEO succession process?
The Board has initiated a CEO search under its succession process, considering internal and external candidates. The process is led by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, chaired by Tracy Skeans.
Will Lawson Whiting remain involved with Brown-Forman (BF) after his retirement?
Yes. Lawson Whiting will remain available in an advisory capacity for a period of time after a successor is appointed, helping ensure business continuity and a smooth handover of leadership.
Did Brown-Forman (BF) change its financial outlook with this CEO announcement?
No. Brown-Forman specifically reiterated its fiscal 2027 outlook as previously disclosed on June 4, 2026, indicating that its longer-term expectations remain unchanged alongside the leadership transition.
What is Wolf Pen Branch’s role and view regarding Brown-Forman’s (BF) CEO transition?
Wolf Pen Branch, representing a controlling interest in Brown-Forman, expressed appreciation for Lawson Whiting’s service and stated confidence in the company’s financial strength and the Board’s process to identify the next CEO.
How large is Brown-Forman’s (BF) business footprint globally?
Brown-Forman describes itself as a global leader in the spirits industry, with approximately 4,900 employees and a portfolio of premium brands sold in more than 170 countries worldwide.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||||||||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (502) 585-1100
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On July 13, 2026, Lawson Whiting announced his decision to retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of Brown-Forman Corporation (the “Company”) after nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the Company, effective upon the appointment of his successor.
The Board of Directors of the Company has initiated a search process to identify the Company’s next Chief Executive Officer.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On July 13, 2026, the Company issued a press release relating to the announcement described in Item 5.02. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
The information furnished pursuant to this Item 7.01 (and the related information in Exhibit 99.1) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
99.1 | Brown-Forman Corporation Press Release dated July 13, 2026. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). | |||||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION | |||||
| (Registrant) | |||||
| Date: July 13, 2026 | /s/ Michael E. Carr, Jr. | ||||
| Michael E. Carr, Jr. | |||||
| Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | |||||
NEWS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BROWN-FORMAN ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT & CEO
LAWSON WHITING TO RETIRE
Board Initiates Search Process for Successor; Company Reiterates Fiscal 2027 Outlook
LOUISVILLE, KY – July 13, 2026 – Brown-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.
“On behalf of the Board and the Brown family, I want to thank Lawson for his nearly 30 years of dedication to Brown-Forman,” said Marshall B. Farrer, Chairman of Brown-Forman. “Lawson has been a steadfast steward of founder George Garvin Brown’s vision – 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 ‘Nothing Better in the Market.’ Under Lawson’s leadership, Jack Daniel's extended its presence into new international markets and categories, Woodford Reserve grew into the world’s 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’s 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.”
Farrer added, “We 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.”
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“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Brown-Forman,” said Lawson Whiting, President and Chief Executive Officer of Brown-Forman. “From 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’s next generation of growth, and I look forward to supporting a seamless handoff that ensures our momentum never wavers.”
Wolf Pen Branch, which represents a controlling interest in Brown-Forman said, “We appreciate Lawson’s 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.”
Brown-Forman also reiterated today its fiscal 2027 outlook as disclosed on June 4, 2026.
# # #
About Brown-Forman Corporation:
Brown-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, “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our premium portfolio includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, New Mix, el Jimador, Herradura, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático 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 and stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
Brown-Forman Contacts:
Elizabeth Conway, Director, External Communications
Elizabeth_Conway@B-F.com
Brown-Forman@FGSGlobal.com
Sue Perram, VP, Investor Relations
Sue_Perram@B-F.com; 502-774-6862
Forward Looking Statements:
This press release contains statements, estimates, and projections that are “forward-looking statements” as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as “aim,” “ambition,” “anticipate,” “aspire,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “expectation,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “pursue,” “see,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” 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:
•Our substantial dependence upon the continued growth of the Jack Daniel’s family of brands
•Substantial competition from new entrants, consolidations by competitors and retailers, and other competitive activities, such as pricing actions (including price reductions, promotions, discounting, couponing, or free goods), marketing, category expansion, product introductions, or entry or expansion in our geographic markets or distribution networks
•Disruption of our distribution network or inventory fluctuations in our products by distributors, wholesalers, or retailers
•Risks from changes to the trade policies, tariffs, and import and export regulations of the United States or foreign governments and the effectiveness of our actions to mitigate the negative impact on our margins, sales, and/or distributors
•Changes in consumer preferences, consumption, or purchase patterns – particularly away from larger producers in favor of small distilleries or local producers, or away from brown spirits, our premium products, or spirits generally, and our ability to anticipate or react to them; further legalization of marijuana; bar, restaurant, travel, or other on-premise declines; shifts in demographic or health and wellness trends; or unfavorable consumer reaction to new products, line extensions, package changes, product reformulations, or other product innovation
•Route-to-consumer changes that affect the timing of our sales, temporarily disrupt the marketing or sale of our products, or result in higher fixed costs
•Production facility, aging warehouse, or supply chain disruption
•Imprecision in supply/demand forecasting
•Higher costs, lower quality, or unavailability of energy, water, raw materials, product ingredients, or labor
•Risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions, business partnerships, or investments – such as acquisition integration, termination difficulties or costs, or impairment in recorded value
•Unfavorable global or regional economic conditions and related economic slowdowns or recessions, low consumer confidence, high unemployment, weak credit or capital markets, budget deficits, burdensome government debt, austerity measures, higher interest rates, higher taxes, political instability, higher inflation, deflation, lower returns on pension assets, or lower discount rates for pension obligations
•Negative publicity related to our company, products, brands, marketing, executive leadership, employees, Board of Directors, family stockholders, operations, business performance, or prospects or risks relating to the increased risk of social media
•Product recalls or other product liability claims, product tampering, contamination, or quality issues
•Failure to attract or retain key executive or employee talent
•Impact of health epidemics and pandemics, and the risk of the resulting negative economic impacts and related governmental actions
•Risks associated with being a U.S.-based company with a global business, including commercial, political, and financial risks; local labor policies and conditions; compliance with local trade practices and other regulations; terrorism, kidnapping, extortion, or other types of violence; and health pandemics
•Failure to comply with anti-corruption laws, trade sanctions and restrictions, or similar laws or regulations
•Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly due to a stronger U.S. dollar
•A downgrade or potential downgrade of our credit ratings
•Changes in laws, regulatory measures, or governmental policies, especially those affecting production, importation, marketing, labeling, pricing, distribution, sale, or consumption of our beverage alcohol products
•Tax rate changes (including excise, corporate, sales or value-added taxes, property taxes, payroll taxes, import and export duties, and tariffs) or changes in related reserves, changes in tax rules or accounting standards, and the unpredictability and suddenness with which they can occur
•Decline in the social acceptability of beverage alcohol in significant markets
•Significant additional labeling or warning requirements or limitations on availability of our beverage alcohol products
•Counterfeiting and inadequate protection of our intellectual property rights
•Significant legal disputes and proceedings, or government investigations
•Cyberbreach or failure or corruption of our key information technology systems or those of our suppliers, customers, or direct and indirect business partners, or failure to comply with personal data protection laws
•Our status as a family “controlled company” under New York Stock Exchange rules, and our dual-class share structure
For further information on these and other risks, please refer to our public filings, including the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.