Brown-Forman CEO Lawson Whiting Announces Retirement After 30 Years

Lawson Whiting will retire as President and CEO of Brown-Forman Corporation upon the appointment of a successor. Whiting, who joined the company in 1997 and assumed the top role in 2019, will remain in his position during the search for a new leader and later serve as an advisor to ensure business continuity.

The Brown-Forman Board of Directors, led by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, is evaluating both internal and external candidates. This leadership transition follows a volatile period for the Louisville-based company, which includes rejecting a $15 billion takeover bid from Sazerac in May and ending merger discussions with Pernod Ricard in April.

Whiting's tenure saw growth for brands including Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester, though the company recently faced significant headwinds. Last year, Brown-Forman cut approximately 12% of its global workforce—over 5,000 employees—and closed its Louisville barrel-making operation. These challenges are compounded by a global slowdown in alcohol consumption and a shift toward nonalcoholic and ready-to-drink products.

Financial reports show overall net sales fell 1% to $3.9 billion in the last fiscal year, despite an 11% surge in ready-to-drink sales. Brown-Forman has reiterated its fiscal 2027 outlook, projecting approximately flat net sales and a 3-5% decrease in organic operating income.