Brown-Forman Finance Chief Leanne Cunningham Retiring After 30 Years of Service
Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BFA, BFB), one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies, announced today that its executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), Leanne Cunningham, will retire on May 1, 2026, after an impressive 30-year career with the company. Cunningham’s departure will mark the end of a remarkable journey defined by leadership, transformation, and a steadfast commitment to Brown-Forman’s long-term growth.
A Three-Decade Career at Brown-Forman
Cunningham first joined Brown-Forman in 1995 as a Corporate Accountant, entering a company already known for its rich history in premium spirits, including the iconic Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. Over the years, she steadily advanced through roles of increasing responsibility in accounting, finance, corporate strategy, and production operations. Her progression through these diverse positions allowed her to build a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations, from the intricacies of global finance to the challenges of running a supply chain for a worldwide beverage company.
Prior to being named CFO in July 2021, Cunningham served as senior vice president, where she held responsibilities in shareholder relations, commercial finance, and financial planning and analysis. These positions placed her at the center of many strategic conversations about growth, investor engagement, and operational efficiency. Her appointment to the role of CFO and subsequent induction into the Brown-Forman Executive Leadership Team reflected both her proven expertise and the company’s confidence in her ability to navigate complex global markets.
Leadership and Impact as CFO
During her tenure as CFO, Cunningham played a pivotal role in shaping Brown-Forman’s financial strategy and capital allocation priorities. She was instrumental in ensuring that the company maintained a healthy balance sheet while also investing in areas that supported long-term value creation.
Brown-Forman President and CEO Lawson Whiting praised Cunningham’s contributions, noting her dual expertise in finance and global supply chain management, which proved crucial as the company faced challenges such as global trade volatility, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions.
“Leanne’s diverse set of experiences in finance and global supply chain helped shape many important long-term strategic decisions at Brown-Forman,” Whiting said. “She has led our finance organization 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.”
Cunningham’s tenure as CFO coincided with a period of transformation for the global spirits industry. Shifts in consumer preferences toward premium spirits, the rise of ready-to-drink cocktails, and increased digital engagement with brands all created new opportunities and challenges. Cunningham ensured that Brown-Forman was financially prepared to adapt and seize these opportunities, supporting both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
A Legacy of People-First Leadership
While Cunningham’s financial acumen is well-recognized, her colleagues highlight her leadership style as one of her most enduring contributions. Known for her people-first approach, she emphasized mentorship, team development, and cultivating a strong workplace culture rooted in Brown-Forman’s values. Many within the company credit her for fostering a supportive environment where employees could thrive both professionally and personally.
In her retirement announcement, Cunningham expressed gratitude not only for the opportunities she had but also for the colleagues who shaped her journey.
“I am incredibly grateful for my 30 years at Brown-Forman, a company where I was empowered to grow both professionally and personally,” Cunningham said. “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.”
Her words reflect the strong sense of community that has long been part of Brown-Forman’s identity. For Cunningham, success was not measured solely by financial metrics but also by the relationships built along the way and the company’s commitment to ethical, responsible growth.
Preparing for a Seamless Transition
With Cunningham’s retirement still nearly two years away, Brown-Forman has ample time to prepare for a smooth leadership transition. The company has already initiated a formal search process for her successor, with the goal of announcing an appointment by the end of this calendar year. This timeline will allow for significant overlap, ensuring that Cunningham’s successor has time to work closely with her before she departs in 2026.
This deliberate approach highlights the importance of continuity and stability in a global company that operates across more than 170 markets. A seamless transition is expected to reassure employees, shareholders, and business partners alike that Brown-Forman remains on a strong path forward.
The Broader Context: Brown-Forman’s Enduring Legacy
Founded in 1870, Brown-Forman has grown from a regional whiskey producer to one of the largest spirits and wine companies in the world. Its brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Herradura, and Finlandia, enjoy global recognition and deep consumer loyalty. Cunningham’s career spanned a critical period in this evolution, from the company’s expansion into new international markets to its embrace of premiumization strategies that have reshaped the industry.
As CFO, she ensured that Brown-Forman remained financially resilient, navigating through economic cycles, changing trade environments, and global supply chain challenges while continuing to deliver value to shareholders. Her retirement represents not only the conclusion of an accomplished career but also a symbolic passing of the torch as Brown-Forman enters a new era.
