The current CFO of Brown-Forman has notified the group of her plans to retire in eight months’ time.
Leanne Cunningham (below) will vacate the role she has held since mid-2021 on 1 May next year. Subsequently, the Jack Daniel’s owner said today (26 August) that it has “initiated a formal search for Cunningham’s successor with the goal of announcing an appointment by the end of the calendar year”.
Cunningham is celebrating her 30th anniversary with Brown-Forman this month. Starting as an accountant in 1995, she has held a further 15 positions on her rise through the ranks, up to and including the CFO reins.
CEO Lawson Whiting credited Cunningham with having “led our finance organisation with thoughtfulness and balance, and developed strong relationships in the investment community and with our long-term shareholders.
“Her greatest legacy may be the way she championed and developed people,” he added. “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 group, which has been in the process of a global workforce review since February, saw its full-year sales to the end of April (fiscal 2025) increase by 1% at the start of June. Results from the three months to the end of July are scheduled to be announced on Thursday (28 August).
