Brown-Forman: New president, Europe
Yiannis Pafilis will become Brown-Forman’s Executive Vice President, President, Europe, and join the executive leadership team (ELT).
Taking on the role in March, Yiannis Pafilis will lead the long-term strategy for the region and drive growth in European markets. That includes Brown‐Forman’s owned distribution businesses in the UK, Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Czechia/Slovakia, Belgium, and Luxembourg; as well as markets that partner for distribution.
Pafilis has been with Louisville, Kentucky-headquartered Brown‑Forman for more than 25 years, first as area sales manager for Greece before being appointed country manager of Greece and Cyprus. 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 is currently cluster leader of Germany, Czechia/Slovakia, and Poland, while also leading Europe’s commercial strategy.
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.
Farrer will continue to collaborate with the ELT to develop key partnerships, innovative ideas, and corporate development opportunities.
Farrer became President of the Europe region in 2020. He is credited with the creation and transition of owned distribution organizations in the UK, 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.
With more than 25 years at Brown‑Forman, Farrer has served on the Executive Leadership Team since 2020 and the Brown‑Forman Board of Directors since 2016. He is a fifth-generation Brown family shareholder.
