Brown-Forman Names Jim Peters Chief Financial Officer

Peters joins the company's senior executive team after a distinguished career at Whirlpool Corporation.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:03pm

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Brown-Forman Corporation announced the election of Jim Peters as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective March 31, 2026. Peters joins the company following a successful tenure at Whirlpool Corporation, where he most recently led enterprise transformation initiatives as Executive Vice President.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new CFO is a significant move for a major spirits company like Brown-Forman, as the CFO plays a crucial role in navigating the company through complex global economic cycles and ensuring financial discipline and resilience.

The details

As CFO, Peters will join Brown-Forman's senior executive team and report to President and CEO Lawson Whiting. He succeeds Leanne Cunningham, who will retire effective May 1, 2026. Peters brings a proven track record of driving operational discipline and resilience through his experience at Whirlpool, where he most recently led enterprise transformation initiatives as Executive Vice President.

  • Jim Peters will assume the CFO role at Brown-Forman effective March 31, 2026.
  • Leanne Cunningham, the current CFO, will retire effective May 1, 2026.

The players

Jim Peters

The new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Brown-Forman Corporation, effective March 31, 2026.

Lawson Whiting

The President and CEO of Brown-Forman Corporation.

Leanne Cunningham

The current Chief Financial Officer of Brown-Forman Corporation, who will retire effective May 1, 2026.

Brown-Forman Corporation

A global leader in the spirits industry, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

Whirlpool Corporation

The company where Jim Peters most recently served as Executive Vice President, leading enterprise transformation initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“Jim is a seasoned financial leader who brings a proven track record of driving operational discipline and resilience through complex global cycles. His expertise in navigating margin pressures and volatile consumer demand across North America, Europe, and Asia will be invaluable as we navigate today's macroeconomic headwinds. Beyond his technical depth, Jim is a values-based leader with a strong commitment to developing the next generation of talent.”

— Lawson Whiting, President and CEO, Brown-Forman Corporation (Business Wire)

“I am honored to join Brown-Forman, a company with such a rich heritage and iconic portfolio of brands. I look forward to working with Lawson and the entire team to build upon the company's strong foundation and to continue delivering sustainable value for our shareholders and stakeholders worldwide.”

— Jim Peters (Business Wire)

What’s next

Peters will assume the CFO role at Brown-Forman effective March 31, 2026, succeeding Leanne Cunningham, who will retire effective May 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Jim Peters as Brown-Forman's new CFO reflects the company's commitment to financial discipline and resilience as it navigates complex global economic conditions. Peters' extensive experience at Whirlpool will be valuable in helping Brown-Forman continue to deliver sustainable value for its shareholders and stakeholders.