Brown-Forman Corporation is laying off approximately 12% of its 5,400 employees worldwide as part of a series of strategic initiatives to position the company for continued growth in the global spirits market. The move comes after the company celebrates its 155-year milestone in delivering quality products.
The company’s president and CEO, Lawson Whiting, stated that the layoffs will enable Brown-Forman to have the necessary structure and teams in place to continue growing and thriving. He expressed gratitude to employees who will be impacted by the changes, assuring them of support during the transition.
Brown-Forman is also closing its Louisville-based cooperage operation, which affects around 210 hourly and salaried employees. The company expects to incur approximately $60 million in severance costs associated with the workforce reduction and cooperage closure. In contrast, it will receive over $30 million from the sale of the cooperage assets.
The company’s new executive leadership team includes Jeremy Shepherd as Chief Marketing Officer, Michael Masick as President of Americas, Yiannis Pafilis as President of Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Chris Graven as Chief Strategy Officer.
Source: https://www.wave3.com/2025/01/14/hundreds-brown-forman-employees-be-laid-off