In Memoriam: William “Lee” Lyons Brown Jr.

Kentucky businessman served his country and community

William “Lee” Lyons Brown Jr. (Col class of ’58), former ambassador to Austria and retired CEO of the Brown‑Forman wine and spirits corporation, died June 9, 2024. He was 87.

His three children say the Kentucky native lived a life of service to his country, his company and his community.

For his country, he served in various political and diplomatic roles, most notably as the American ambassador to Austria under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005.

Before becoming ambassador, Brown was a member of the President’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations under Presidents Ronald Reagan in 1988, George H.W. Bush in 1990 and Bill Clinton in 1994. A U.S. Army veteran, Brown also served as a first lieutenant in the Army Reserves from 1964 to 1966.

“Throughout his career, Lee Brown has been engaged in international business,” President George W. Bush said in a 2001 statement announcing the ambassadorship nomination. “His understanding of the important relationships between the United States and Europe makes him an excellent choice for ambassador to the Republic of Austria.”

Brown gained that business experience by serving his family’s wine and spirits company, Brown-Forman Corp., based in his native Louisville. During more than three decades at the company—including many years as CEO and chairman of the board—he helped launch the company’s export division. He steered the company from annual sales of $365 million to $1.7 billion.

“Lee was a giant in the spirits industry and a champion for the family business. For many of us in the Brown family’s fifth generation, he was the first company leader that many of us knew,” said Campbell Brown, chair of the company’s board of directors, in a statement. “He was a person of remarkable vision and unparalleled dedication and we are grateful for his leadership.”

Brown served his community in several philanthropic and volunteer capacities. His passion for art and history led to his appointment as honorary trustee of both The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Austrian Foundation. He served on the trustees council for the National Gallery of Art and the board of directors of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello. He served on the UVA Alumni Association Board of Managers for six years, including one term as president from 1986 to 1987. He also served on the UVA Board of Visitors from 1987 to 1995.

Brown graduated with distinction from UVA with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1958. He was a member of the Raven Society and, during his fourth year, a Lawn resident. In 1960 he graduated from the American Graduate School of International Management in Arizona (now called Thunderbird School of Global Management) with a bachelor’s in foreign trade.

Brown was survived by his wife, Alice Cary Farmer Brown, who passed away a few months after him on Nov. 29. He is also survived by his three children, including W.L. Lyons Brown III (Col class of ’82, Darden class of ’87) and Cary Epstein (Col class of ’84); his sister; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

—Sam Grossman