Brown-Forman announced the promotion of Lawson Whiting to the position of Chief Operating Officer effective October 1. As COO, Whiting will oversee the company’s regional operations, global production, and corporate responsibility functions, while reporting to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Paul Varga. A 21-year veteran of the company, Whiting previously held positions in finance, investor relations, brand and regional leadership, acquisitions and divestitures, strategy and corporate responsibility.