POZNAN, POLAND – APRIL 23, 2016: Jack Daniel’s, a brand of the best selling American whiskey in the world, produced by the Jack Daniel Distillery and owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation since 1956. Photo credit: monticello / Shutterstock
On July 13, Brown‑Forman, maker of Jack Daniel’s, announced that Lawson Whiting will retire from his role as president and CEO, effective upon the appointment of a successor. The Brown‑Forman board has initiated a search, pursuant to its succession process, to 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.
“On behalf of the board and the Brown family, I want to thank [Whiting] for his nearly 30 years of dedication to Brown‑Forman,” said Marshall B. Farrer, chairman of Brown‑Forman.
“[Whiting] has been a steadfast steward of founder George Garvin Brown’s vision – leading this company through an era of macro challenges and change with a clear and consistent vision for building the most premium portfolio in the industry and ensuring there was ‘Nothing Better in the Market.’ 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 [Whiting’s] leadership and his commitment to the people and brands of Brown‑Forman.”
Farrer added, “As we begin our search pursuant to our succession process, we do so with confidence in our business, our people and our opportunities to create long-term value for all Brown‑Forman stakeholders. [Whiting] will continue to advance our strategic and operational priorities, including expanding our geographic footprint, building brands that resonate with consumers and enhancing operational efficiency, while the board conducts the succession process.”
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Brown‑Forman,” said Whiting. “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. 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.”
