Brown-Forman CEO to retire after nearly 30 years with company

Brown-Forman's Board of Directors has already launched a search for a new leader pursuant to its succession process that will consider both internal and external candidates.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The president and CEO of Louisville-based Brown-Forman Corp. will retire after nearly 30 years with the company.

Lawson Whiting's retirement will be effective "upon the appointment of a successor," the company said in a news release Monday afternoon.

Brown-Forman's Board of Directors has already launched a search for a new leader pursuant to its succession process that will consider both internal and external candidates.

In a statement, Whiting called his time leading the spirits giant "the privilege of a lifetime."

"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," Whiting's statement continued. "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."

Brown-Forman, one of Louisville's oldest companies, is the parent company of Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and several other brands.

Whiting has led the company since 2019, taking the reins during a boom time for the spirits industry, according to our partners at Louisville Business First.

"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," Brown-Forman Chairman Marshall B. Farrer said in a news release Monday. "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.”

Whiting's retirement comes after Brown-Forman cut about 12% of its workforce — more than 5,000 people — last year. The company also closed its barrel making operation in Louisville, leaving more than 200 workers without a job.

LBF reported the spirits industry has faced a number of headwinds recently, including tariffs, increased competition from cannabis and healthier lifestyle trends.

Whiting's retirement also comes during an eventful year for the spirits company. In March, news broke from the Wall Street Journal about the company exploring a "merger of equals" with Paris-based Pernod Ricard. However, in April, the company announced that the two parties had ended merger discussions.

Also in April, the Wall Street Journal reported Brown-Forman was in negotiations with Sazerac Co., which had offered a $15 million bid that was rejected in May.