Brown-Forman Announces European Leadership Change

Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BFA,BFB) announced today a change in its European leadership and Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Effective March 1, 2024, Yiannis Pafilis will become Executive Vice President, President, Europe, and join the ELT. Marshall Farrer, who currently serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategic Growth Officer and President, Europe, will retain his responsibilities as Chief Strategic Growth Officer and continue to serve on the ELT and Brown-Forman Board of Directors.

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Yiannis Pafilis (Photo: Business Wire)

As President, Europe, Yiannis Pafilis will lead the long-term strategy for the region and drive growth in the company’s European markets. Pafilis will steward Brown‑Forman’s owned distribution businesses in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Czechia/Slovakia, Belgium, and Luxembourg, as well as markets that partner for distribution.

“Yiannis’ deep industry knowledge, ability to motivate diverse teams, and experience seeding and sustaining profitable growth across Europe, have prepared him well for this expanded leadership role,” said Lawson Whiting, President and CEO, Brown-Forman. “He navigates complex and challenging environments with tremendous skill and agility, and unites people to create an inclusive, values-based organization.”

Pafilis has been with Brown-Forman for more than 25 years, first serving as area sales manager for Greece before being appointed country manager of Greece and Cyprus. During his tenure, he served as group general manager of Southeast Europe, led the Russia business, and spent significant time as vice president, managing director, Germany and Czechia. Pafilis currently serves as cluster leader of Germany, Czechia/Slovakia, and Poland while also leading Europe’s commercial strategy.

As Chief Strategic Growth Officer, Marshall Farrer will continue to collaborate with Whiting and the ELT to develop key partnerships, innovative ideas, and corporate development opportunities aimed at achieving the company’s short-term objectives and long-term ambitions.

Farrer assumed the role of President, Europe in 2020. Since that time, he led the creation and transition of owned distribution organizations in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Slovakia, and the expansion of the Brown-Forman portfolio offerings in key European markets, introducing existing brands and bringing to market Gin Mare, Diplomático, and Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola RTD.