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.”

Spirits Canada’s corporate sponsorship of 86 Harassment signals to industry professionals and customers alike that sexual violence and harassment have no place in the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries.

86 Harassment is one of the first industry-wide initiatives specifically designed for the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries to co-create an action plan aimed at reducing incidents of harassment and violence. A key initiative of Women of the Vine & Spirits, 86 Harassment aims to create a model that can be duplicated by other industries worldwide emphasizing a collective commitment to fostering safer environments for employers, employees and customers.

“We can’t thank Spirits Canada enough for their support of 86 Harassment. This commitment signals to the industry at-large that sexual violence and harassment have no place in beverage alcohol and hospitality,” said Deborah Brenner, founder and CEO of Women of the Vine & Spirits and 86 Harassment council member.

Representing Spirits Canada on the 86 Harassment Council is Catherine Eaton, vice president, finance and operations at Spirits Canada.

We can’t thank Spirits Canada enough for their support of 86 Harassment. This commitment signals to the industry at-large that sexual violence and harassment have no place in beverage alcohol and hospitality.

Deborah Brenner, Women of the Vine & Spirits

“There is no place for sexual harassment and gender-based violence in our industry or society at large, and Spirits Canada’s support for this initiative reflects our deep commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive and equitable environment, where every individual is treated with dignity and respect,” said Eaton. “It is an honour to serve on this council and to contribute to meaningful change, ensuring that every person can be proud to work in this sector.”

Spirits Canada joins fellow sponsors Brown-Forman, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Pernod Ricard North America, Republic National Distributing Company, and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.

Thanks to the generous financial funding of 86 Harassment sponsors, 86 Harassment will support employers and employees with the following free resources:

• Customized training for the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries on setting boundaries and bystander intervention, including “Creating A Safer Community,” developed and conducted by RAINN, and “Active Bystander Intervention” and “De-Escalation Training” for hospitality staff developed and conducted by Safe Bars. Additional trainings to be announced.
• Industry-specific Dedicated Confidential Crisis Intervention Hotline operated by staff at RAINN. Telephone Crisis Intervention Services available in English and Spanish. The hotline staff are available 24/7 to support communities with industry-specific crisis intervention, empathetic listening and warm handoffs to designated local service providers. The hotline provides quality, anonymous and confidential crisis intervention services in English and Spanish to support survivors within the industry.
• Centralized Resource Hub including glossary key terms and phrases, articles, reports, newsletters and educational resources for anyone in the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries. Handouts, toolkits, postcards, flyers, stickers, posters, available to download, print and post on walls on-premise, off-premise, offices and use at conferences and events.