President and chief executive of Brown‑Forman Corporation, Lawson Whiting, will retire effective upon the appointment of a successor. 

Whiting took on the chief executive role in 2019, having started with the company in 1997.

Marshall B. Farrer, chairman of Brown‑Forman, said: “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.”

Whiting added: “From my earliest days with the company to my time as chief executive, 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.”

The Brown‑Forman board of directors has initiated a search process for a successor that will consider internal and external candidates. 

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. 

Brown‑Forman also reiterated its fiscal 2027 outlook as disclosed on June 4 2026.

The company reported that in fiscal 2026 net sales decreased 1% to $3.9 billion (flat on an organic basis) compared to the same prior-year period. 

Net sales for the company’s tequila portfolio decreased 4%, largely driven by declines in the US and Mexico.

Canada’s ban on alcohol also affected sales negatively, with the Jack Daniel’s RTD portfolio decreasing 3% as a result. 

However, the company reported that fiscal 2027 will benefit from its previously announced restructuring initiative, US distributor changes, and continued new product innovation, such as the expansion of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry, which helped offset a 7% decline in US sales. 

“We finished the fiscal year ahead of our expectations, driven by strong execution in our innovation portfolio, the early benefits of our US route-to-market transformation, and strategic cost-restructuring initiatives,” said Whiting. 

“Our ability to grow cash flows from operations and free cash flow by more than $400 million in a declining market speaks to the strength of our business and our commitment to a robust capital allocation strategy. While we expect continued market volatility and a challenging cost cycle in the year ahead, our performance this year proves we have the right people, brands, and strategy to navigate these challenges effectively.”