Brown Forman layoffs, on the record
Every job cut, severance charge and restructuring Brown Forman reported in its annual reports, 2024 to 2026, quoted from the filings. Headcount went from approximately 5,700 to approximately 4,900.
Headcount, as reported
| Annual report | Employees | As of |
|---|---|---|
| 10-K for 2024 | approximately 5,700 | — |
| 10-K for 2025 | approximately 5,000 | — |
| 10-K for 2026 | approximately 4,900 | — |
Job cuts, severance and restructuring
Our summaryBoard approved a Restructuring Initiative to cut the structural cost base, reducing the worldwide workforce by about 12% and closing the Louisville-based Brown-Forman Cooperage.
Word for word“This included reducing our worldwide headcount by approximately 12 % and closing our Louisville-based Brown-Forman Cooperage.” 10-K for 2025
Our summaryRestructuring initiative charges recognized in fiscal 2025, including severance, other restructuring costs and a special early retirement benefit.
Word for word“The following table summarizes the restructuring and other charges recognized in fiscal 2025: Restructuring charges: Severance and other employee-related costs $ 24 Other restructuring charges 1 22 Restructuring charges 46 Other charges 2 14 Total restructuring and other charges $ 60 1 Primarily represents one-time costs related to the cooperage facility closure, consulting services, and other miscellaneous exit costs.” 10-K for 2025
Our summaryA special one-time early retirement benefit was offered to qualifying U.S. employees as part of the restructuring.
Word for word“The remaining $ 12 in other charges represents costs associated with a special one-time early retirement benefit.” 10-K for 2025
Our summaryThe Board approved a restructuring plan to cut the structural cost base and realign resources, which included reducing worldwide headcount and closing the Louisville cooperage. Most actions were carried out in fiscal 2025 and substantially completed in fiscal 2026.
Word for word“On January 13, 2025, our Board of Directors approved a plan to reduce our structural cost base and realign resources toward future sources of growth (Restructuring Initiative).” 10-K for 2026
Our summaryThe company recorded severance and other employee-related costs under the restructuring, with smaller amounts in fiscal 2026 than in fiscal 2025.
Word for word“We incurred aggregate restructuring and other charges of $ 67 in connection with these actions, consisting of $ 31 in severance and other employee-related costs, $ 34 in other restructuring charges primarily related to the Brown-Forman Cooperage facility closure and consulting services associated with the restructuring actions, and $ 2 in other charges for cooperage asset impairments.” 10-K for 2026
| Fiscal year ended | Restructuring charges | Cash paid for restructuring |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-04-30 | $46 million | $27 million |
| 2026-04-30 | $19 million | $29 million |
Brown Forman filed 1 restructuring notice (Form 8-K, Item 2.05) since 2016. This page shows what the company reported to the SEC, not news reports or state layoff notices.
Read from Brown Forman’s annual reports (10-K for 2026, 10-K for 2025, 10-K for 2024) and the financial data it files with the SEC, as of 2026-06-12. Every quotation is word for word from the filing linked beside it; how these pages are built and checked. The full record is in its company data sheet.