Close Menu
News

Brown-Forman hires chief information officer

Woodford Reserve owner Brown-Forman has promoted Larry Combs to the newly created role of chief information officer, and director of supply chain integration and strategy.

Larry Combs, Brown-Forman
Larry Combs has worked at Brown-Forman for three decades

Combs, a 30-year veteran of Brown-Forman, most recently served as the company’s senior vice-president, global director, Jack Daniel’s supply chain/procurement/planning/logistics.

In his new position, he will be responsible for the strategic direction of Brown-Forman’s application technologies, enterprise architecture, data and analytics strategy and framework, and portfolio management, as well as the continued development and execution of logistics, procurement, planning, and production strategies.

“Supply chains across the globe have been under pressure for the last few years driven in part by a lack of modern technologies to address the stressors,” said Tim Nall, senior vice-president, chief global supply chain and technology officer.

“This new role ensures Brown-Forman is well-positioned to leverage leading applications and technologies that will enhance our global supply chain and ongoing operations.

“Larry’s knowledge of Brown-Forman’s supply chain, global manufacturing acumen, and record of leading transformational change through technology makes him uniquely qualified to ensure we meet our future supply chain and technology demands and opportunities.”

In addition, Brown-Forman has named Melvin Keebler as its new general manager for the Jack Daniel Distillery’s supply chain, effective immediately.

In addition to leading the Jack Daniel Distillery operations in Lynchburg, Tennessee, Keebler will be responsible for the Brown-Forman Cooperage operations. He will oversee the production of new barrels, and the process and distribution of used barrels.

Keebler has worked at Brown-Forman for more than two decades, holding leadership roles at the Jack Daniel Distillery including quality, warehousing, engineering, maintenance, production, and used barrels operations.

He previously served as general manager of the Tennessee distillery.

Nall added: “Beyond his work at the distillery and managing Jack Daniel’s global supply chain, Melvin’s engagement and valuable insight with the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative has helped make this important collaboration a success.”

Last month, Brown-Forman reported a net sales increase of 11% for the first half of fiscal 2023, boosted by sales of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No