Brown-Forman CFO Leanne Cunningham to retire in May 2026 after 30 years.

Brown-Forman's CFO, Leanne Cunningham, will retire on May 1, 2026, after 30 years of service. Cunningham joined the company in 1995 as a Corporate Accountant and progressed through various roles before being appointed CFO in 2021. She will be succeeded by an unnamed candidate.

Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BFA, BFB) has announced that Leanne Cunningham, executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), will retire on May 1, 2026, after more than three decades of service with the company. Cunningham joined Brown-Forman in 1995 as a corporate accountant and progressed through various roles, including senior vice president, shareholder relations officer, commercial finance, and financial planning and analysis. She was appointed CFO in July 2021 and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's long-term strategic decisions [1].

Lawson Whiting, Brown-Forman's president and CEO, commended Cunningham's contributions, noting her diverse experience in finance and global supply chain management. He highlighted her leadership in the finance organization, her strong relationships with the investment community, and her commitment to developing people within the company. Cunningham herself expressed gratitude for her 30-year journey at Brown-Forman, emphasizing the opportunities she had to grow both professionally and personally [1].

The company has initiated a formal search for Cunningham's successor with the goal of announcing an appointment by the end of the calendar year. This will allow for a thoughtful and seamless transition, ensuring the continuity of Brown-Forman's strategic direction [1].

Brown-Forman Corporation is a global leader in the spirits industry, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands such as Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and Herradura. The company employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 170 countries [3].

The retirement of a long-serving CFO like Cunningham is a significant event for any company. Investors and financial professionals will be closely watching the appointment of her successor and the impact it may have on Brown-Forman's financial strategy and performance. The company's stock has seen fluctuations due to various factors, including the ongoing alcohol trade war and the potential impact of weight-loss drugs and cannabis on liquor sales [4].

References:
[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250825722525/en/Brown-Forman-Chief-Financial-Officer-Leanne-Cunningham-to-Retire-After-30-Years
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4488986-brown-forman-cfo-leanne-cunningham-to-retire-after-30-years
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/brown-forman-s-finance-boss-leanne-cunningham-to-retire-next-year-ce7c50d8dd81f624
[4] https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/bf.b