Universal Corporation Executive and Leadership Team

Preston Wigner, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Universal Corporation, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution across both tobacco and plant-based ingredient segments. Wigner guides the company's global sourcing, processing, and supply chain initiatives, ensuring alignment with market demands and regulatory landscapes. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in product development, particularly within the Ingredients Operations, to meet the evolving needs of consumer-packaged goods manufacturers and retailers. By overseeing the strategic direction of the Tobacco Operations, Preston Wigner ensures the continued provision of high-quality leaf tobacco to global manufacturers, alongside specialized services like custom blending and testing. The executive's focus extends to driving sustainable growth and enhancing shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation and strategic partnerships. Wigner's comprehensive oversight ensures the seamless integration of diverse business units, solidifying Universal Corporation's position as a key global supplier.

Steven Diel, the Chief Financial Officer, Universal Ingredients at Universal Corporation, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the company's expanding plant-based ingredients division. Diel oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal discipline across the Ingredients Operations segment. This critical role involves analyzing market trends and financial performance to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency improvements within the production of specialty ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and botanical extracts. Steven Diel works closely with operational leaders to optimize cost structures and enhance profitability, supporting the company's mission to supply innovative ingredients to food, beverage, and flavor companies. The executive's responsibilities also encompass managing relationships with financial institutions and investors, securing capital for expansion, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Diel's financial acumen is pivotal in driving the strategic development and market penetration of Universal Corporation's diverse ingredient portfolio.

Airton Hentschke, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Universal Corporation, directs the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency across the company's global sourcing and processing activities. Hentschke oversees the complex logistics involved in procuring, processing, packing, and shipping leaf tobacco and plant-based ingredients worldwide. This leadership position is crucial for maintaining the integrity and quality of products supplied to manufacturers of consumer tobacco products and consumer-packaged goods. Airton Hentschke focuses on optimizing supply chain operations, implementing best practices in manufacturing, and ensuring adherence to stringent quality control standards. The executive's responsibilities extend to managing production facilities and driving operational improvements that enhance yield and reduce waste, particularly within the Ingredients Operations segment's diverse product lines. Hentschke's strategic oversight ensures that Universal Corporation consistently meets customer demands for both tobacco and specialty ingredients, reinforcing the company's global market presence.

Clayton Frazier, the President at Universal Corporation, drives commercial strategy and market development initiatives across the company's diverse business units. Frazier's leadership focuses on expanding market reach and strengthening customer relationships within both the Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations segments. This role involves overseeing sales, marketing, and business development efforts, ensuring that Universal Corporation effectively serves manufacturers of consumer tobacco products and consumer-packaged goods companies worldwide. Clayton Frazier works to identify new market opportunities and enhance the company's competitive positioning by leveraging its extensive sourcing and processing capabilities. The executive's responsibilities include fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations that support revenue growth and market penetration for specialty plant-based ingredients and leaf tobacco. Frazier's commercial acumen is instrumental in navigating global markets and delivering value to a broad base of international clients.

Aymen Tayechi, the Directeur Des Ressources Humaines at Universal Corporation, leads the strategic management of human capital across the organization's global operations. Tayechi is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive HR policies and programs that support employee engagement, talent acquisition, and professional development. This role is vital in fostering a positive and productive work environment, ensuring that Universal Corporation attracts and retains top talent in both the Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations segments. Aymen Tayechi oversees all aspects of human resources, including compensation and benefits, labor relations, and organizational development, aligning HR strategies with the company's overall business objectives. The executive's focus includes cultivating a culture of continuous learning and innovation, essential for driving success in the dynamic global markets served by the company. Tayechi's leadership ensures that the workforce is equipped to meet the challenges of sourcing, processing, and supplying diverse plant-based ingredients and leaf tobacco.