Byron
Manager, Corporate Development
Louisville, KY
My Job
As a corporate development manager, I mainly handle valuations for the potential deals (brands) for both acquiring and divesting. It involves much financial modeling and corporate strategy. Because acquiring new brands and divesting part of your current business impact all levels of the company, I am required to be a generalist.
My Motivation
People, learning from talented colleagues, and managing great brands. I had great training at MIT Sloan, but my knowledge really blossomed at B-F. I have been able to apply this knowledge to everyday situations. I feel this has been possible due to the many intelligent people I work with on a daily basis..
My Contribution
Based on the portfolio, financial, and operational (brand building) needs, I make a recommendation about which external assets B-F should acquire at what value and which internal assets we need to divest at what value.
What I Enjoy About Brown-Forman
Brown-Forman people. I have held positions in marketing, sales, and finance. We are a company that is very disciplined and fact based. We make decisions based on good analysis and after input from all parties involved. .
My Environment
Genuine care for the people you work with. Because of this, we have better teamwork than other organizations I have worked with, and we maintain a very healthy competitive and collaborative environment.
My Opportunities
Limitless. I have been with Brown-Forman for a little over three years and have already worked in marketing, sales, and corporate development (finance). I have also been involved in special projects where I had direct interaction with executives. B-F is where your background and education don’t limit your opportunity. If you are willing to learn and have fundamental skill sets, B-F will provide you with opportunities. The amount of training offered here is truly unmatched. I have participated in three external week-long leadership training and many other subject specific training opportunities, all of which had tremendous impact on my development.
What the Brown-Forman Brand Means to Me
They are breathing intangible assets that are a huge part of the company’s value. The close association consumers have with Jack Daniel’s is truly invaluable. In a responsible drinking environment, when a consumer asks for a glass of Jack Daniel’s, that person is making a statement about themselves. Also, B-F brands are living results of the tremendous collaboration by all B-F employees. There is so much work involved before a consumer gets to enjoy a sip of a Brown-Forman brand.