Sarah Bates

Sarah Bates is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in human resources and executive communications. Currently serving as Chief of Staff in the Office of the CEO at Brown-Forman since March 2021, Sarah partners closely with the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team to develop and implement a strategic executive communications strategy focused on people, culture, and strategic initiatives. Previously, at Woodford Reserve and Old Forester Distilleries, Sarah held roles as Senior HR Manager and Senior HR Generalist, driving human resources initiatives that optimized talent acquisition, employee engagement, and inclusion. With a foundational career at Brown-Forman spanning over a decade, Sarah developed and led global wellness strategies and employee experience programs. Sarah holds a BA in English from Centre College and participated in an English Speaking Union program at Oxford University.