Brown-Forman Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown-Forman has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, and operations.

Driven by a legacy of quality, Brown-Forman is dedicated to building brands that connect with consumers globally, fostering a culture of innovation and responsible growth within the spirits and wine industry.

Leadership Roles at Brown-Forman

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Lawson Whiting
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman - Lee Tatum
  • Regional Chief Financial Officer (Asia) - Carolina Alvarez
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - James Peters
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - James Peters
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Joan Clark
  • Global Director, Agency Integration & Jack Daniel's Chief of Staff - Lottie Chestnut
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada - Timothy Rutledge
  • 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 strategy and global operations. Whiting guides the enterprise in its mission to build leading spirits and wine brands, ensuring alignment with long-term growth objectives and market leadership. This executive role involves setting the strategic vision for brand development, market expansion, and operational excellence across all business units. Whiting's leadership ensures the company's financial performance and brand equity are consistently enhanced. Overseeing all major corporate initiatives, Lawson Whiting drives the execution of strategic plans that solidify Brown-Forman's position in the competitive global spirits market. The focus remains on sustainable value creation and fostering a culture of accountability throughout the organization.
    Lawson Whiting

    Lee Tatum - Vice President, Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman

    Lee Tatum, the Vice President, Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman at Brown-Forman, acts as a key strategic advisor and operational liaison for the company's top leadership. Tatum supports the Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman in driving critical business initiatives and ensuring effective communication across the organization. This position involves managing high-priority projects, facilitating strategic discussions, and enhancing the efficiency of executive decision-making processes. Tatum's role is crucial in translating executive vision into actionable plans and ensuring seamless execution of corporate priorities. By providing dedicated support to the CEO and Vice Chairman, Lee Tatum contributes significantly to the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of Brown-Forman.

    Carolina Alvarez - Regional Chief Financial Officer (Asia)

    Carolina Alvarez, the Regional Chief Financial Officer (Asia) at Brown-Forman, manages all financial operations and strategic planning for the Asian market. Alvarez ensures fiscal discipline and drives financial performance across the region, supporting Brown-Forman's expansion and profitability goals. This role encompasses financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management specific to the diverse Asian economic landscape. Alvarez's financial acumen is vital for navigating regional market dynamics and optimizing investment strategies. By providing critical financial insights, Carolina Alvarez enables informed decision-making for regional leadership. The Regional Chief Financial Officer (Asia) plays a key part in securing the financial health and sustainable growth of Brown-Forman's operations throughout Asia.

    James Peters - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    James Peters, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Brown-Forman, oversees the company's global financial strategy, planning, and execution. Peters directs all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, investor relations, and corporate development, ensuring robust financial health and strategic resource allocation. This executive position is central to managing the company's capital structure, driving profitability, and delivering shareholder value. Peters' leadership ensures compliance with financial regulations and guides investment decisions that support long-term growth initiatives. By maintaining strong relationships with the financial community, James Peters enhances investor confidence and secures capital for strategic expansion. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer's role is fundamental to the financial integrity and strategic direction of Brown-Forman.
    James Peters

    James Peters - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    James Peters, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Brown-Forman, oversees the company's global financial strategy, planning, and execution. Peters directs all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, investor relations, and corporate development, ensuring robust financial health and strategic resource allocation. This executive position is central to managing the company's capital structure, driving profitability, and delivering shareholder value. Peters' leadership ensures compliance with financial regulations and guides investment decisions that support long-term growth initiatives. By maintaining strong relationships with the financial community, James Peters enhances investor confidence and secures capital for strategic expansion. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer's role is fundamental to the financial integrity and strategic direction of Brown-Forman.
    James Peters

    Joan Clark - Chief Marketing Officer

    Joan Clark, the Chief Marketing Officer at Brown-Forman, architects the global marketing strategies for the company's diverse portfolio of spirits and wine brands. Clark drives brand innovation and consumer engagement initiatives, ensuring powerful market presence and resonance. This leadership position involves overseeing all aspects of brand development, advertising, digital marketing, and consumer insights. Clark's expertise ensures that marketing efforts directly support sales objectives and enhance brand equity across key international markets. By championing data-driven marketing approaches, Joan Clark optimizes campaign performance and identifies emerging consumer trends. The Chief Marketing Officer's role is critical in cultivating brand loyalty and expanding market share through compelling storytelling and strategic brand positioning.

    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 the strategic alignment of external agency partnerships and provides critical operational support for the Jack Daniel's brand. Chestnut ensures seamless collaboration between Brown-Forman's marketing teams and its global agency network, optimizing campaign execution and brand consistency. This dual role involves streamlining agency workflows and driving operational efficiencies for one of the company's flagship brands. Chestnut's focus is on enhancing the effectiveness of marketing investments and ensuring the Jack Daniel's brand message is powerfully communicated worldwide. By fostering strong agency relationships, Lottie Chestnut contributes directly to the brand's global impact and market penetration.

    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 operational support and drives key initiatives across the United States and Canadian markets. Rutledge facilitates cross-functional collaboration and ensures efficient execution of corporate strategies within these critical regions. This role involves managing special projects, enhancing internal communication, and supporting the regional leadership team in achieving business objectives. Rutledge's efforts are focused on optimizing operational performance and driving growth in North America. By coordinating efforts across departments, Timothy Rutledge ensures alignment with Brown-Forman's broader corporate goals. The Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada plays an integral part in the successful implementation of regional business plans.

    Erin Paternoster - Chief of Staff (Americas)

    Erin Paternoster, the Chief of Staff (Americas) at Brown-Forman, provides essential strategic and operational support for the company's leadership across the Americas region. Paternoster drives key projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and enhancing regional operational efficiency. This role involves coordinating cross-functional efforts, managing critical communications, and supporting the executive team in achieving business goals within North and South America. Paternoster's focus is on streamlining processes and facilitating effective execution of strategies throughout the Americas. By fostering collaboration and driving project completion, Erin Paternoster contributes to the sustained growth and success of Brown-Forman's operations in the region.

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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 Lee Tatum (Vice President, Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman) and Carolina Alvarez (Regional Chief Financial Officer (Asia)).
    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), Lee Tatum (Vice President, Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman), Carolina Alvarez (Regional Chief Financial Officer (Asia)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brown-Forman have?
    Brown-Forman has 9 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, Vice President, Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman, Regional Chief Financial Officer (Asia), Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer.