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Brown-Forman Announces Change in Board of Directors Chair

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Brown-Forman (NYSE:BFA, BFB) announced that Campbell P. Brown will step down as Chair of the Board of Directors in July, while continuing to serve as a Director. Marshall B. Farrer, a fifth-generation descendant of the company's founder, will assume the role of Chair, subject to reelection. During Brown's tenure, the company acquired Gin Mare and Diplomático Rum, and navigated through challenges including the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and tariffs on American whiskey. Farrer, who joined the Board in 2016 and currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Growth Officer, will become the eleventh Brown family member and third fifth-generation family member to serve as Chair.

Brown-Forman (NYSE:BFA, BFB) ha annunciato che Campbell P. Brown si dimetterà dalla carica di Presidente del Consiglio di Amministrazione a luglio, continuando però a fungere da Direttore. Marshall B. Farrer, un discendente di quinta generazione del fondatore dell'azienda, assumerà il ruolo di Presidente, soggetto a rielezione. Durante il mandato di Brown, l'azienda ha acquisito Gin Mare e Diplomático Rum e ha affrontato sfide, tra cui la pandemia, le interruzioni della catena di approvvigionamento e le tariffe sul whiskey americano. Farrer, che è entrato nel Consiglio nel 2016 e attualmente ricopre il ruolo di Vice Presidente Esecutivo e Chief Strategic Growth Officer, diventerà l'undicesimo membro della famiglia Brown e il terzo membro di quinta generazione a ricoprire la carica di Presidente.

Brown-Forman (NYSE:BFA, BFB) anunció que Campbell P. Brown dejará su cargo como Presidente de la Junta Directiva en julio, mientras seguirá sirviendo como Director. Marshall B. Farrer, un descendiente de quinta generación del fundador de la empresa, asumirá el papel de Presidente, sujeto a reelección. Durante el mandato de Brown, la compañía adquirió Gin Mare y Diplomático Rum, y navegó a través de desafíos que incluían la pandemia, interrupciones en la cadena de suministro y aranceles sobre el whiskey americano. Farrer, quien se unió a la Junta en 2016 y actualmente es Vicepresidente Ejecutivo y Director de Crecimiento Estratégico, se convertirá en el undécimo miembro de la familia Brown y el tercer miembro de quinta generación en ocupar el cargo de Presidente.

브라운-포먼 (NYSE:BFA, BFB)는 캠벨 P. 브라운이 7월 이사회의 의장에서 물러나지만 이사로서는 계속 활동할 것이라고 발표했습니다. 마샬 B. 파러는 회사 창립자의 다섯 번째 세대 후손으로서 의장직을 맡을 예정이며, 재선에 따라 달라질 수 있습니다. 브라운의 임기 동안 회사는 진 마레와 디플로마티코 럼을 인수하였고, 팬데믹, 공급망 중단, 미국 위스키에 대한 관세 등 어려움에 직면했습니다. 2016년 이사회에 합류한 파러는 현재 부사장 겸 최고 전략 성장 책임자를 맡고 있으며, 의장직을 맡는 브라운 가족의 11번째 구성원이며 세 번째 다섯 번째 세대 구성원이 될 것입니다.

Brown-Forman (NYSE:BFA, BFB) a annoncé que Campbell P. Brown démissionnera de son poste de Président du Conseil d'Administration en juillet, tout en continuant à servir en tant que Directeur. Marshall B. Farrer, un descendant de cinquième génération du fondateur de l'entreprise, assumera le rôle de Président, sous réserve de réélection. Pendant le mandat de Brown, l'entreprise a acquis Gin Mare et Diplomático Rum, et a navigué à travers des défis tels que la pandémie, des perturbations de la chaîne d'approvisionnement et des tarifs sur le whiskey américain. Farrer, qui a rejoint le Conseil en 2016 et qui est actuellement Vice-Président Exécutif et Responsable de la Croissance Stratégique, deviendra le onzième membre de la famille Brown et le troisième membre de cinquième génération à occuper le poste de Président.

Brown-Forman (NYSE:BFA, BFB) gab bekannt, dass Campbell P. Brown im Juli als Vorsitzender des Vorstands zurücktreten wird, während er weiterhin als Direktor tätig bleibt. Marshall B. Farrer, ein Nachkomme fünfter Generation des Unternehmensgründers, wird die Rolle des Vorsitzenden übernehmen, vorbehaltlich einer Wiederwahl. Während Browns Amtszeit erwarb das Unternehmen Gin Mare und Diplomático Rum und navigierte durch Herausforderungen wie die Pandemie, Unterbrechungen der Lieferkette und Zölle auf amerikanischen Whiskey. Farrer, der 2016 dem Vorstand beitrat und derzeit als Executive Vice President und Chief Strategic Growth Officer fungiert, wird das elfte Mitglied der Familie Brown und das dritte Mitglied der fünften Generation im Vorsitz sein.

Positive
  • Strategic acquisitions of Gin Mare and Diplomático Rum during Brown's tenure strengthened premium portfolio
  • Successful navigation through significant business challenges including pandemic and supply chain disruptions
  • Continuation of family leadership ensures long-term strategic vision and company stability
Negative
  • None.

Succession Reinforces Long-Term Focus of Company

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BFA, BFB) announced today that Campbell P. Brown will step down as Chair of the Brown-Forman Board of Directors in July. Subject to his reelection at the annual meeting, he will continue to serve on the Board as a Director. Marshall B. Farrer, a fifth-generation descendent of the company's founder and a current Director of the Board, will assume the role of Chair of the Board, subject to his reelection to the Board.

Brown-Forman Board of Directors Members: Marshall B. Farrer (left) and Campbell P. Brown (right). (Photo: Business Wire)

Brown-Forman Board of Directors Members: Marshall B. Farrer (left) and Campbell P. Brown (right). (Photo: Business Wire)

“It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the Board and to work alongside the many talented professionals who comprise Brown-Forman's Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team. Brown-Forman has always believed that thoughtful, well-planned leadership transitions strengthen our company for the long term. After working closely with Board leadership, the time is right to entrust the role of Chair to my cousin and fellow Board member, Marshall Farrer,” said Campbell P. Brown, Chair of the Board.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Campbell for his exceptional leadership as Board Chair. His fresh perspectives, unwavering trust, and strategic guidance have been invaluable during his tenure. We are grateful for his steady hand and approach, which have significantly contributed to Brown-Forman’s success,” said Michael Todman, Lead Independent Director.

During Brown’s tenure, Brown-Forman continued its premium portfolio reshaping through the acquisitions of Gin Mare and Diplomático Rum. Brown led the Board through periods of significant volatility, including a pandemic, supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic challenges, and tariffs on American whiskey, and facilitated the selection and integration of four new Board members. His balanced thinking, depth of experience across the company’s organizations, and aptitude for bringing people together, provided a strong foundation of leadership through the four years served as Chair.

Brown-Forman President and CEO Lawson Whiting added, “Campbell has been a strategic thought partner to me for many years. His unique perspective as a fifth-generation Brown family member and a leader with brand and commercial experience has been invaluable. Throughout his years of service, from employee to Board member to Board Chair, Campbell has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to Brown-Forman and its people.”

Whiting continued, “As we look to the future, Marshall’s strategic vision and deep industry expertise will be key as we navigate the next chapter of growth at Brown-Forman. This transition represents the continuation of a legacy of stewardship that underscores the shared belief that there is truly ‘Nothing Better in the Market’ than Brown-Forman.”

“Marshall’s exemplary leadership and understanding of the global potential of the company’s portfolio and partnerships will undoubtedly elevate Brown-Forman to new heights. The Board looks forward to collaborating with him to drive innovation and encourage the company’s long-term success,” said Tracy Skeans, Chair, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

“Being named Chair of the Board is a profound honor, and I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by my fellow Board members. I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Campbell and continuing our legacy of strategic growth,” said Marshall B. Farrer, EVP, Chief Strategic Growth Officer, and Director.

Farrer will become the eleventh Brown family member and third fifth-generation family member to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Campbell P. Brown:

Campbell Brown became Chair of the Board of Directors at Brown‐Forman Corporation in 2021. Previously, he served as the President and Managing Director of Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, Brown‐Forman’s founding bourbon brand. A great-great grandson of Brown‐Forman’s founder, Brown worked at Brown-Forman for over 27 years and has served on the Board for eight years. He began his career by driving business development in emerging markets like India and Turkey. Upon returning to the U.S., he took on increasing responsibilities, including Brand Manager for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, and later, President of Old Forester. Brown is a founding member of the Brown‐Forman/Brown Family Shareholders Committee and served on the board of Dendrifund. He previously represented Brown‐Forman on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Distillers Association.

Marshall B. Farrer:

Marshall Farrer, a fifth-generation Brown family shareholder, joined the Board of Directors in 2016. Marshall started his career at Brown‐Forman in 1998 as a Market Manager in the Wine Division in California, and has since held various positions of increasing responsibility. In 2006, he became Director of Latin America and the Caribbean, later moving to Sydney as Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific. He led the global expansion of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and managed the Global Travel Retail business. In 2020, Marshall relocated to Amsterdam and London as President of Europe and joined the Executive Leadership Team. He was named Executive Vice President and became, and continues to serve as, Brown‐Forman’s first Chief Strategic Growth Officer in 2023. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors of The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. (NYSE: NAPA) since May 2024.

About Brown-Forman:

Brown-Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our portfolio of premium brands includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, el Jimador, Korbel, New Mix, Old Forester, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático Rum, Chambord, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Slane, and Coopers’ Craft. With a team of approximately 5,700 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for premium beverages in more than 170 countries. Discover more about us at Brown-Forman.com and stay connected through LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

Important Information on Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains statements that are “forward-looking statements” as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s expectations or projections regarding future events and speak only as of the date we make them. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors (many beyond our control) that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical experience or from our current expectations or projections.

For further information on factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical experience or from our current expectations or projections, please refer to our public filings, including the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Elizabeth Conway

Director

External Communications

502-774-7737

elizabeth_conway@b-f.com

Sue Perram

Vice President

Investor Relations

502-774-6862

sue_perram@b-f.com

Source: Brown-Forman Corporation

FAQ

When will Campbell P. Brown step down as Brown-Forman's Board Chair?

Campbell P. Brown will step down as Chair of Brown-Forman's Board of Directors in July.

Who will be the new Chair of Brown-Forman's Board?

Marshall B. Farrer, a fifth-generation descendant of the company's founder, will assume the role of Chair of the Board, subject to reelection.

What major acquisitions did Brown-Forman make during Campbell Brown's tenure as Chair?

During Campbell Brown's tenure, Brown-Forman acquired Gin Mare and Diplomático Rum as part of its premium portfolio reshaping strategy.

What is Marshall Farrer's current role at Brown-Forman (BF)?

Marshall Farrer currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Growth Officer at Brown-Forman.

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