Mark my words; in the years to come - maybe even today, in some circles - having navigated the Covid pandemic of 2020-21 and its subsequent economic turbulence will warrant a line of its own on anyone's resumé.Earlier this week, news broke of the pending departure of a senior executive for whom such a badge of honour certainly applies. Lawson Whiting, who assumed the CEO hotseat at Brown-Forman on 1 January 2019 - and has been with the Jack Daniel's owner since June 1997 - has told the company of his intention to retire.An internal promotion - Whiting was chief operating officer at the time -
Another Covid vet heads for the exit as Brown-Forman CEO prepares to retire – Comment
An internal promotion to the helm, bookended by owning the decision to call time on your tenure would qualify as a successful stint for any executive at any company.

Mark my words; in the years to come – maybe even today, in some circles – having navigated the Covid pandemic of 2020-21 and its subsequent economic turbulence will warrant a line of its own on anyone’s resumé.
Olly has been reporting on the beverage industry as a B2B journalist since 2003. He spent 18 years at Just Drinks, 16 of which as managing editor. Since joining Global Drinks Intel in 2022, he's interviewed the CEOs for brand owners including AB InBev, Campari Group, Carlsberg, Heineken and Suntory Global Spirits and has a bulging contacts book from across beverage alcohol worldwide.



