Universal (NYSE: UVV) withdraws new CFO hire, keeps Kroner in role

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Universal Corporation disclosed that it has withdrawn its previously announced offer of employment to Anubhav Mittal, who had been elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective February 17, 2026. As a result, Johan C. Kroner will continue serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until a successor is elected. The company indicated that, based on its recent executive search, it expects to elect a new CFO in the near term, leaving its current finance leadership in place for now.

Insights

Corporate governance analyst

Universal keeps current CFO after withdrawing a planned CFO appointment.

Universal Corporation had elected Anubhav Mittal as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective February 17, 2026, but on January 28, 2026 it withdrew that offer of employment. This reverses a planned leadership change in the finance function.

Johan C. Kroner will remain Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until a successor is elected, maintaining continuity in financial oversight. The company states that, based on its recent executive search, it anticipates electing a successor in the near term, though specific timing and candidates are not detailed in the excerpt.

For investors, the key point is that the previously announced incoming CFO will not join and the existing CFO continues in role. Subsequent disclosures about the eventual successor and transition date will provide more clarity on long-term leadership of the finance organization.

UNIVERSAL CORP /VA/ false 0000102037 0000102037 2026-01-28 2026-01-28

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 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): January 28, 2026

Universal Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Virginia		001-00652		54-0414210
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

9201 Forest Hill Avenue Richmond, Virginia		23235
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (804) 359-9311

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:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, no par value		UVV		New York Stock Exchange

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.

As previously disclosed, on January 20, 2026, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Universal Corporation (the “Company”) elected Anubhav Mittal as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective February 17, 2026. On January 28, 2026, the Company withdrew its offer of employment to Mr. Mittal. Johan C. Kroner will continue to serve as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until a successor is elected. Based on the Company’s recent executive search, the Company anticipates electing a successor in the near term.

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.

				UNIVERSAL CORPORATION
Date: January 29, 2026				By:		/s/ Catherine H. Claiborne
						Catherine H. Claiborne
						Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

FAQ

What change to Universal Corporation (UVV) leadership is described in this 8-K?

Universal Corporation withdrew its offer of employment to Anubhav Mittal as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The company had previously elected him to start February 17, 2026, but now plans to keep the existing CFO in place while it selects a new successor.

Who will serve as Universal Corporation (UVV) Chief Financial Officer after the withdrawn offer?

Johan C. Kroner will continue serving as Universal Corporation’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He stays in the role until the Board elects a successor, providing continuity in the company’s financial leadership during the extended search process.

When did Universal Corporation (UVV) withdraw the CFO employment offer to Anubhav Mittal?

Universal Corporation withdrew its offer of employment to Anubhav Mittal on January 28, 2026. This action reversed a prior Board decision on January 20, 2026, which had elected him as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective February 17, 2026.

Does Universal Corporation (UVV) plan to appoint a new CFO soon?

Universal Corporation states that, based on its recent executive search, it anticipates electing a successor CFO in the near term. Until that election occurs, Johan C. Kroner will continue in his existing role as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

What SEC item does this Universal Corporation (UVV) filing relate to?

The disclosure falls under Item 5.02, which covers departure of directors or certain officers, election of directors, appointment of certain officers, and compensatory arrangements. Here it specifically addresses a withdrawn CFO employment offer and continuation of the current Chief Financial Officer.