Brown-Forman Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brown-Forman has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, North American operations, and regional administrative management.

Committed to excellence in spirit and wine manufacturing, Brown-Forman maintains a legacy of quality while driving global market expansion through disciplined leadership and strategic brand development.

Leadership Roles at Brown-Forman

  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - James Peters
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - James Peters
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada - Timothy Rutledge
  • Chief of Staff (Americas) - Erin Paternoster
  • James Peters - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    James Peters, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Brown-Forman, directs all global financial operations and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the fiscal health of this spirit and wine manufacturer, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer manages investor relations, corporate accounting, and long-term financial planning. By optimizing cost structures and capital investments, James Peters ensures the company maintains a competitive edge in the global beverage market. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to evaluate acquisition opportunities and risk management protocols. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer supports sustainable growth across international markets. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of economic trends and currency fluctuations to protect shareholder value. Ultimately, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for continued innovation and market leadership in the premium spirits industry.
    James Peters

    James Peters - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    James Peters, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Brown-Forman, architects the enterprise-wide financial reporting framework and internal audit functions. Focusing on the manufacturing efficiency of the spirit and wine portfolio, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer monitors production costs and supply chain expenditures. James Peters leads the development of financial models that support long-term strategic goals and operational scalability. By implementing advanced data analytics, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer provides actionable insights to the executive team regarding market performance and profitability. This leadership role involves managing relationships with financial institutions and ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards. Through the oversight of treasury operations, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risks associated with international trade. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer drives the financial discipline required to sustain the company's reputation for quality and excellence in the global beverage industry.
    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, manages strategic initiatives across North American markets. Overseeing regional operational alignment, the Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada coordinates cross-functional projects to enhance distribution efficiency and brand visibility. Timothy Rutledge drives the execution of corporate objectives within the United States and Canada, ensuring that local market activities reflect the broader mission of the organization. By facilitating communication between regional leadership and corporate headquarters, the Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada streamlines decision-making processes. This role involves analyzing regional performance metrics to identify growth opportunities in the competitive spirits sector. Through proactive management of regional resources, the Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada strengthens the market position of the company. The Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada maintains operational excellence by fostering collaboration across all North American business units.

    Erin Paternoster - Chief of Staff (Americas)

    Erin Paternoster, the Chief of Staff (Americas) at Brown-Forman, coordinates strategic priorities across the entire American continent. Overseeing the integration of regional business functions, the Chief of Staff (Americas) ensures that operational activities align with the overarching corporate mission of the spirit and wine manufacturer. Erin Paternoster facilitates high-level communication between regional directors and the executive leadership team to accelerate project delivery. By managing complex workflows and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff (Americas) optimizes the performance of regional teams. This role involves identifying emerging market trends and translating these insights into actionable business strategies. Through the synchronization of regional efforts, the Chief of Staff (Americas) enhances the agility of the organization in responding to shifting consumer demands. The Chief of Staff (Americas) maintains a focus on operational consistency and excellence, ensuring that the company remains a dominant force in the Americas through effective leadership and strategic coordination.

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

    Who leads Brown-Forman?
    Brown-Forman is led by James Peters (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as James Peters (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and Timothy Rutledge (Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada).
    Who is part of Brown-Forman’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brown-Forman includes leaders such as James Peters (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), James Peters (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Timothy Rutledge (Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brown-Forman have?
    Brown-Forman has 4 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 Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Chief of Staff, USA and Canada, Chief of Staff (Americas).