Brown-Forman CFO to step down
Leanne Cunningham, Brown-Forman’s chief financial officer (CFO) and executive vice-president, will retire next year after more than three decades at the firm.
Cunningham became CFO of the US spirits company in July 2021. She will retire from Jack Daniel’s producer Brown-Forman on 1 May 2026.
She said: “I am incredibly grateful for my 30 years at Brown‑Forman, a company where I was empowered to grow both professionally and personally. This journey has not only been defined by the opportunities I was given, but more importantly, by the many amazing people I had the privilege to learn, grow, and lead with.
“I depart with immense confidence in the leadership and strategic direction of the company, knowing its future is bright.”
Cunningham joined the Kentucky-headquartered company in 1995 as a corporate accountant and advanced through various roles in accounting, finance, corporate strategy, and production operations.
Before she was appointed CFO, Cunningham served as senior vice-president. She held positions as shareholder relations officer and in commercial finance, as well as financial planning and analysis.
Lawson Whiting, president and CEO of Brown‑Forman, added: “Leanne’s diverse set of experiences in finance and global supply chain helped shape many important long-term strategic decisions at Brown‑Forman. She has led our finance organisation with thoughtfulness and balance, and developed strong relationships in the investment community and with our long-term shareholders.
“Even so, her greatest legacy may be the way she championed and developed people. Leanne is a true people-first leader, a trusted colleague, and a champion of our core values. We thank her for her lasting contributions to Brown‑Forman.”
The company has started a formal search for Cunningham’s successor and is aiming to announce an appointment by the end of 2025.
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