Brown-Forman has announced that president and chief executive officer Lawson Whiting will retire after nearly 30 years with the spirits company.

Whiting will remain in his position until a successor is appointed. Brown-Forman’s board has begun a search considering both internal and external candidates, led by its Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

Following the appointment, Whiting will remain available in an advisory capacity for a period to support the leadership transition.

Whiting joined Brown-Forman in 1997 and became CEO in 2019. During his tenure, the company expanded the international presence of Jack Daniel’s, while Woodford Reserve and Old Forester recorded significant growth.

Marshall B Farrer, chairman of Brown-Forman, said: “Lawson has been a steadfast steward of founder George Garvin Brown’s vision, leading this company through an era of macro challenges and change with a clear and consistent vision for building the most premium portfolio in the industry.”

He added that Whiting would continue to oversee the company’s strategic and operational priorities during the search, including expanding its geographic reach, developing its brands and improving operational efficiency.

Whiting commented: “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Brown-Forman. From my earliest days with the company to my time as CEO, my tenure has been defined by the extraordinary people I have worked alongside.”

"We are entering this transition from a position of strength. Brown-Forman has principled leadership, a foundation of iconic brands and a global team with immense depth and talent. I have every confidence that the succession process will surface the right leader for Brown-Forman’s next generation of growth, and I look forward to supporting a seamless handoff that ensures our momentum never wavers.”