Brown-Forman announces international leadership change

Louisville-based Brown-Forman Corp. (NYSE:BFA,BFB) has announced a change in its emerging international leadership and executive leadership team (ELT).

Michael Masick will become president, emerging international, and join the ELT, effective July 1. Thomas Hinrichs, who currently serves in this role, will retire from Brown-Forman after a 28-year career, effective June 30, according to a news release.

"Michael is well-versed in corporate, brand and business strategy and is an exceptional strategic thinker. With his strong commercial and financial acumen and proven ability to navigate complexity and uncertainty, Michael exemplifies outstanding business leadership," said Lawson Whiting, president and CEO of Brown-Forman, in the release. "Michael is a passionate advocate for our people and culture. I look forward to working closely with him to grow our brands and business in the Emerging International markets.”

As president, emerging international, Masick will lead the long-term strategy for the region and drive growth in the company’s emerging international markets, including Latin America, Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, India, the Middle East, Ukraine, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Africa and global travel retail, the release said.

Masick has been part of Brown-Forman for more than 14 years, serving in a number of finance, strategy and commercial leadership positions. He is currently the managing director for the Latin America, Africa, Ukraine and the CIS markets.

In previous roles, Masick led the finance function for developed Europe, based in Amsterdam, and was instrumental in the creation of Brown-Forman’s international strategy and Developed Europe’s regional strategy, the release said. As the leader of corporate development, he played a key role in the acquisitions of Slane Irish Whisky and The GlenDronach, Benriach and Glenglassaugh single malt Scotch whiskies, as well as the divestiture of Southern Comfort and Tuaca.

Masick also led global business strategy and analysis efforts for the Jack Daniel’s family of brands during a period of significant growth.

Thomas Hinrichs joined Brown-Forman in 1996 as a marketing manager in Germany.

During his 28-year tenure, his responsibilities have continuously expanded to reflect the critical role he has played in the company’s globalization efforts.

The release said his "valued contributions and leadership successes resulted in him being named to the ELT in 2015." Over the course of his career, Hinrichs has served in a number of executive positions, including executive vice president, president, emerging international; senior vice president, managing director, international; vice president, managing director, Greater Europe; and vice president, regional director, Northern Europe.

“Thomas has been an invaluable asset to Brown-Forman’s global expansion, leaving a positive mark on countless people and places. His influence spans nearly three decades and will undoubtedly propel our continued growth long after his tenure,” said Whiting in the release. “There are numerous leadership traits for which Thomas will long be remembered. He has made a lasting impact on Brown-Forman’s business and culture through his thoughtful and inclusive presence, generous and kind spirit, deep commercial acumen, and resounding commitment to the company’s success.”

Brown-Forman's annual revenue is more than $4 billion and the company's brand roster includes Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey and other related products, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Coopers’ Craft, The GlenDronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Slane, Herradura, and el Jimador.

The company has about 5,600 employees globally and its brands are sold in more than 170 countries worldwide.

Recently, LBF sat down with Campbell Brown, board chair, to discuss the company's rich history.