Who are Brown-Forman's decision-makers?
Brown-Forman is led by Lawson Whiting, with Jim Peters in a key finance role and other senior leaders responsible for operations, commercial execution, brands, technology, and people.
- CEO
- Lawson Whiting
- Key exec
- Jim Peters
- Founded
- 1870
- Employees
- ~5,600
- HQ
- Louisville, KY
- Status
- Public controlled company; NYSE: BF.A/BF.B
- Lawson WhitingPresident and Chief Executive OfficerCEO since 2019Leads global spirits strategy and portfolio premiumization.
- Jim PetersExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerCFO effective March 2026Leads finance after joining from Whirlpool.
- Yiannis PafilisEVP, President, Europe, Africa, Asia PacificSenior leadership teamRuns key international regions.
- Jeremy ShepherdExecutive Vice President and Chief Marketing OfficerSenior leadership teamLeads brand building and global marketing.
Who leads Brown-Forman?
Lawson Whiting leads the company as President and Chief Executive Officer. The senior team includes finance, operations, supply chain, technology, commercial, brand, legal, HR, and regional leaders depending on the buying motion.
Who actually makes buying decisions at Brown-Forman?
The buying committee depends on the category. Marketing, shopper, and brand teams own demand-generation budgets; supply chain and operations own manufacturing, restaurant, quality, and logistics spend; IT, security, data, and finance influence enterprise software; procurement and legal control vendor onboarding and terms.
How is Brown-Forman organized as it scales?
Brown-Forman is organized around brands, channels, functions, geographies, plants or restaurants, and shared services. Sellers should map stakeholders by business unit and by the measurable outcome the proposal improves.
As of June 2026.Sources:Brown-Forman leadershipBrown-Forman names CFO
Brown-Forman — frequently asked questions
