Universal Corporation Executive and Leadership Team

Preston Wigner, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Universal Corporation, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for both tobacco and 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 driving innovation in plant-based ingredients and maintaining Universal Corporation's position as a premier leaf tobacco supplier. By overseeing all major business functions, Preston Wigner ensures the company's sustained growth and financial health across its worldwide operations. The Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer's vision shapes the company's commitment to sustainability and value creation for stakeholders.

Douglas Meisel, the Regional Chief Financial Officer, Africa at Universal Corporation, manages the financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the company's African territories. Meisel oversees all accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting functions within the region, ensuring compliance with local and international financial regulations. This role is critical for supporting the Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations segments as they navigate diverse economic environments across Africa. By providing expert financial guidance, Douglas Meisel enables informed decision-making and optimizes resource allocation to drive regional profitability and operational efficiency. The Regional Chief Financial Officer, Africa's expertise supports Universal Corporation's expansion and stability in key African markets.

Steven Diel, the Chief Financial Officer, Universal Ingredients at Universal Corporation, spearheads the financial strategy and management for the company's rapidly growing plant-based ingredients division. Diel directs all financial planning, analysis, and reporting activities, ensuring robust fiscal health and supporting strategic investments in innovation and market expansion. This position is vital for managing the financial intricacies of sourcing, processing, and supplying a wide array of specialty ingredients to global consumer-packaged goods manufacturers and retailers. By optimizing financial performance, Steven Diel contributes directly to the Ingredients Operations segment's profitability and competitive positioning. The Chief Financial Officer, Universal Ingredients' leadership ensures the division's financial integrity and supports its ambitious growth objectives.

Airton Hentschke, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Universal Corporation, directs the day-to-day operational execution across both the Tobacco Operations and Ingredients Operations segments globally. Hentschke oversees the complex processes of sourcing, procurement, processing, packing, and shipping, ensuring efficiency and quality control throughout the supply chain. This critical role involves optimizing manufacturing processes, managing logistics, and implementing best practices to enhance operational performance and reduce costs. By driving operational excellence, Airton Hentschke ensures Universal Corporation reliably meets customer demands worldwide. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer's focus on streamlined operations supports the company's commitment to delivering value and maintaining market leadership.

Clayton Frazier, the President at Universal Corporation, holds a pivotal leadership position overseeing key strategic initiatives and business development efforts. Frazier's responsibilities encompass driving growth opportunities within the company's diverse portfolio, including both leaf tobacco and plant-based ingredients. This role involves fostering strong relationships with global manufacturers and retailers, identifying emerging market trends, and championing new product development. By focusing on strategic expansion and market penetration, Clayton Frazier plays an essential part in enhancing Universal Corporation's global reach and revenue streams. The President's leadership ensures the company remains agile and responsive to evolving industry demands and customer needs.

Aymen Tayechi, the Directeur Des Ressources Humaines at Universal Corporation, leads the comprehensive human resources strategy and management for the organization. Tayechi oversees all aspects of talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and organizational development across Universal Corporation's global workforce. This role is crucial for cultivating a positive and productive work environment, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and developing programs that attract and retain top talent. By focusing on strategic workforce planning and employee engagement, Aymen Tayechi supports the company's operational objectives and fosters a culture of excellence. The Directeur Des Ressources Humaines' expertise is vital for managing the human capital that drives Universal Corporation's success.