Brown-Forman Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown-Forman has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and staff coordination.

Driven by a legacy of quality, Brown-Forman is dedicated to building brands that connect with consumers across generations, shaping the future of the spirits and wine industry through innovation and responsible practices.

Leadership Roles at Brown-Forman

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Lawson Whiting
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - James Peters
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - James Peters
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada - Timothy Rutledge
  • Global Director, Agency Integration & Jack Daniel's Chief of Staff - Lottie Chestnut
  • Chief of Staff (Americas) - Erin Paternoster
  • Lawson Whiting - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Lawson Whiting, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Brown-Forman, directs the company's overarching strategic vision and global operations. Whiting guides the executive team in executing long-term growth initiatives and ensuring sustained market leadership in the premium spirits and wine sector. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence across all business units. By championing brand development and consumer engagement, Whiting ensures Brown-Forman maintains its competitive edge. The President & Chief Executive Officer's focus extends to driving financial performance and expanding the company's international footprint. Through strategic decision-making, Lawson Whiting solidifies the company's position as a global leader in the beverage alcohol industry.
    Lawson Whiting

    James Peters - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    James Peters, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Brown-Forman, oversees all financial operations and strategic financial planning. Peters directs capital allocation, investment strategies, and risk management to support the company's global expansion and profitability goals. This critical function involves managing investor relations and ensuring fiscal discipline across the organization. By optimizing financial structures and driving cost efficiencies, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer enhances shareholder value. The leadership of James Peters is central to maintaining the financial health and integrity of Brown-Forman's diverse portfolio of premium spirits and wine brands. Ensuring robust financial controls and transparent reporting, Peters supports sustainable growth and operational excellence.
    James Peters

    James Peters - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    James Peters, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Brown-Forman, directs the company's comprehensive financial strategy and fiscal management. Peters is responsible for financial planning, capital deployment, and ensuring robust financial controls across global operations. This executive function involves managing investor relations and driving financial performance to support long-term corporate objectives. By optimizing financial resources and mitigating risks, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the company's market position. The leadership of James Peters is fundamental to maintaining the financial stability and growth trajectory of Brown-Forman's premium spirits and wine portfolio. Through astute financial oversight, Peters ensures sustainable profitability and shareholder value.
    James Peters

    Timothy Rutledge - Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada

    Timothy Rutledge, the Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada at Brown-Forman, provides strategic support and operational oversight for key markets. Rutledge coordinates initiatives across departments to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and drives efficiency in regional operations. This role involves managing cross-functional projects and facilitating communication between executive leadership and operational teams in the United States and Canada. By streamlining processes and implementing best practices, the Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada enhances market performance. The leadership of Timothy Rutledge is essential for executing strategic plans and fostering collaboration within these significant geographic areas. Ensuring seamless execution of business strategies, Rutledge contributes to market penetration and brand development.

    Lottie Chestnut - Global Director, Agency Integration & Jack Daniel's Chief of Staff

    Lottie Chestnut, the Global Director, Agency Integration & Jack Daniel's Chief of Staff at Brown-Forman, spearheads strategic partnerships and operational alignment for the Jack Daniel's brand globally. Chestnut manages relationships with external agencies, ensuring cohesive brand messaging and effective campaign execution across all markets. This position involves optimizing collaboration between internal teams and external partners to enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement. By driving integration strategies, the Global Director, Agency Integration & Jack Daniel's Chief of Staff ensures consistent brand representation worldwide. The leadership of Lottie Chestnut is vital for amplifying the iconic status of Jack Daniel's and driving its continued success in the global spirits landscape. Facilitating seamless agency collaboration, Chestnut strengthens brand equity and market impact.

    Erin Paternoster - Chief of Staff (Americas)

    Erin Paternoster, the Chief of Staff (Americas) at Brown-Forman, drives strategic initiatives and operational effectiveness throughout the Americas region. Paternoster collaborates with regional leadership to implement business plans, enhance cross-functional synergy, and ensure efficient resource deployment. This role focuses on translating corporate strategy into actionable plans for the North and South American markets. By overseeing key projects and facilitating communication, the Chief of Staff (Americas) supports market growth and operational excellence. The leadership of Erin Paternoster is crucial for navigating the complexities of the diverse American markets and achieving strategic objectives. Ensuring alignment and driving execution, Paternoster contributes to the sustained success of Brown-Forman's brands across the Americas.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brown-Forman Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brown-Forman?
    Brown-Forman is led by Lawson Whiting (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Peters (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and James Peters (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Brown-Forman’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brown-Forman includes leaders such as Lawson Whiting (President & Chief Executive Officer), James Peters (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), James Peters (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brown-Forman have?
    Brown-Forman has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Brown-Forman’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Brown-Forman includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada, Global Director, Agency Integration & Jack Daniel's Chief of Staff.