Universal Corp executive O’Keefe plans retirement

Accepted by SEC EDGAR 08/04/2026 - 04:30 PM EDT Learn about SEC filing dates

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Universal Corporation disclosed that J. Patrick O’Keefe has notified the company of his intention to retire from his roles as Vice President, Ingredients of Universal Corporation and Senior Vice President of Universal Ingredients, Inc.

The company plans to engage an executive search firm to help identify a successor. O’Keefe will remain in his current position until a successor is appointed and will then provide support to help ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers

1 item

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.

Key Figures

Retirement notice date: July 29, 2026 Company phone number: (804) 359-9311 Corporate zip code: 23235

3 metrics

Retirement notice date July 29, 2026 Date J. Patrick O’Keefe notified the company of his intention to retire

Company phone number (804) 359-9311 Registrant’s telephone number listed for Universal Corporation

Corporate zip code 23235 Zip code of Universal Corporation’s principal executive offices in Richmond, Virginia

Key Terms

emerging growth company, Section 12(b) of the Act, executive search firm, transition of leadership

4 terms

emerging growth company regulatory

"405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 ... Emerging growth company"

An emerging growth company is a recently public or smaller public firm that qualifies for temporary, lighter regulatory and disclosure rules to reduce the cost and effort of being public. For investors, it means the company may provide less historical financial detail and face fewer reporting requirements than larger firms, so it can grow more quickly but also carries higher uncertainty—like buying a promising early-stage product with fewer user reviews.

Section 12(b) of the Act regulatory

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

executive search firm financial

"The Company will work to identify a successor with the assistance of an executive search firm"

transition of leadership financial

"To support a smooth transition of leadership, Mr. O’Keefe will remain in his current role"

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What executive change did Universal Corporation (UVV) report?

Universal Corporation reported that J. Patrick O’Keefe intends to retire from his roles as Vice President, Ingredients of the company and Senior Vice President of Universal Ingredients, Inc., with a successor to be identified and a transition period planned.

What positions does J. Patrick O’Keefe hold at Universal Corporation (UVV)?

J. Patrick O’Keefe serves as Vice President, Ingredients of Universal Corporation and Senior Vice President of Universal Ingredients, Inc. He has notified the company of his intention to retire from these roles.

How will Universal Corporation (UVV) manage the succession for J. Patrick O’Keefe’s roles?

Universal Corporation will work to identify a successor for J. Patrick O’Keefe with the assistance of an executive search firm, indicating a structured process to fill his leadership roles.

Will J. Patrick O’Keefe remain at Universal Corporation (UVV) during the transition?

Yes. J. Patrick O’Keefe will remain in his current role until a successor is appointed and will subsequently provide support to ensure a smooth leadership transition for Universal Corporation and Universal Ingredients, Inc.

What is the purpose of J. Patrick O’Keefe’s post-succession role at Universal Corporation (UVV)?

After a successor is appointed, J. Patrick O’Keefe will provide support to ensure a smooth transition process, helping maintain continuity in the Ingredients leadership at Universal Corporation and Universal Ingredients, Inc.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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UNIVERSAL CORP /VA/ false 0000102037 0000102037 2026-07-29 2026-07-29 0000102037 stpr:VA 2026-07-29 2026-07-29

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): July 29, 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.

On July 29, 2026, J. Patrick O’Keefe notified Universal Corporation (the “Company”) of his intention to retire as Vice President, Ingredients of the Company and Senior Vice President, Universal Ingredients, Inc.

The Company will work to identify a successor with the assistance of an executive search firm. To support a smooth transition of leadership, Mr. O’Keefe will remain in his current role until a successor is appointed and will subsequently provide support to ensure a smooth transition process.

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: August 4, 2026				By:		/s/ Catherine H. Claiborne
						Catherine H. Claiborne
						Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents

Other Documents

• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA 3.8 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE 12.5 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE 20.5 KB
• EX-101 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE 13.3 KB