Brown-Forman Corp. - Ordinary Shares - Class B Business Summary

Brown-Forman Corporation (BF.B) is a global leader in the production and distribution of premium spirits and wines, generating revenue primarily through the wholesale of its iconic brand portfolio to distributors and retail partners. As of fiscal 2026, the company’s business model is centered on its core Whiskey segment, led by the Jack Daniel’s family of brands, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester, alongside a robust Tequila segment featuring Herradura and el Jimador. The company has recently pivoted toward high-growth categories by taking its Ready-to-Drink (RTD) production in-house and expanding its premium rum and gin offerings with brands like Diplomático and Gin Mare. In the competitive landscape, Brown-Forman contends with global giants such as Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Sazerac, and Constellation Brands, maintaining a dominant market position as the preeminent producer of American whiskey while navigating a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by shifting consumer demand and trade volatility. Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, the company remains under the significant influence of the Brown family, who maintain controlling interest through Wolf Pen Branch, LP. The executive leadership team is currently led by President and CEO Lawson Whiting, a 30-year company veteran who announced his retirement in July 2026 and remains in office pending the appointment of a successor. Supporting the transition is Jim Peters, who joined as EVP and Chief Financial Officer in March 2026 following a distinguished career as CFO of Whirlpool Corporation. Other key leaders include Tim Nall, EVP and Chief Global Supply Chain and Technology Officer, and Marshall B. Farrer, a fifth-generation family member who serves as Chairman of the Board. This leadership structure balances deep institutional knowledge with external operational expertise to drive the company’s long-term premiumization strategy.