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Brown-Forman reshuffles leadership team

Brown-Forman has reorganised its senior leadership team to strengthen its global growth strategy and unveiled a new Global Corporate Affairs organisation within the company.

Thomas Hinrichs will become senior vice president, president of the international division

The changes will come into effect from 15 June 2018, when John Hayes will move into the position of senior vice president, president of USA and Canada. With 31 years of experience at Brown-Forman, Hayes’ most recent role was senior vice president, chief marketing officer for all Brown-Forman brands, except Jack Daniel’s.

Thomas Hinrichs, president of Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, will become senior vice president, president of the international division.

He will be responsible for the firm’s business in all regions apart from the US and Canada. Hinrichs has worked at Brown-Forman for 21 years.

As a result of these changes, Jill Jones, executive vice president and president of the North America region, many emerging global markets and global travel retail, will depart Brown-Forman after 18 years with the group.

Jones was praised by Brown-Forman for her “exemplary leadership”, particularly in the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts.

In addition, Mark McCallum, who has worked as president of Jack Daniel’s, chief operating officer, and chief marketing officer over the last 15 years at Brown-Forman, will be promoted to the position of executive vice president, chief brands officer. He will be tasked with looking after marketing activities for the firm’s global portfolio of brands.

Mike Keyes will lead the new Global Corporate Affairs organisation

Global Corporate Affairs organisation

Lastly, Brown-Forman has created a new Global Corporate Affairs organisation, which will be led by Mike Keyes as senior vice president, chief corporate affairs officer.

The new division will cover corporate social responsibility, government affairs, family shareholder relations, corporate communications, global community relations and corporate services.

Keyes boasts 27 years at Brown-Forman, previously serving as senior vice president, president of the North America region.

Lawson Whiting, chief operating officer, said: “These four seasoned leaders have more than 90 years of combined global brand and region experience, as well as many years of executive leadership at Brown-Forman corporation.

“They are well prepared to help deliver upon our goals of demonstrating global leadership in premium American whiskey and building a portfolio of premium-plus brands that can meaningfully contribute to both our shorter- and longer-term ambitions.”

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