Brown-Forman announces COO

Brown-Forman Corp. executive vice president and chief operating officer James L. Bareuther is being reassigned to a newly created position as part of the wine and spirits company’s succession plan.

Bareuther, who will reach the company’s mandatory retirement age of 65 in July 2010, has been appointed vice president for global business development. He will begin his new duties May 1, said Phil Lynch, vice president and director of corporate communications and public relations for Brown-Forman.

Bareuther, who has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2003, will continue to report to Brown-Forman CEO Paul Varga.

In his new role, Bareuther will be the company’s liaison to key industry associations in the global wine and spirits business, particularly the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., The Century Council, and the Wine Institute. He also will work with the Brown-Forman corporate affairs group on developing global trade policies and practices, Brown-Forman said in a news release.

“Jim has done a superb job over the years for both our company and our industry and we look forward to him continuing to play a strong leadership role over the next year and a half,” Varga said in the release.

Bareuther will be replaced in his current role by Mark McCallum, who currently serves as chief brands officer for Brown-Forman. He joined the company in 2003 as chief marketing officer for spirits brands.

Prior to joining Brown-Forman, McCallum worked in various executive positions around the world with Darden Restaurants Inc., Vlasic Foods International Inc., The Campbell Soup Co., and General Foods/Cadbury Schweppes PLC, according to the release.

“Mark has done great work with our brands over the last five years and he has made significant contributions as an executive leader at Brown-Forman,” Varga said in the release. “His breadth of international experience and commitment to producing the highest quality results will serve him well as our new chief operating officer.”

Louisville-based Brown-Forman produces and markets various wine and spirits brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian Mist, Fetzer, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, Woodford Reserve and Bonterra.