Universal Corporation Appoints Anubhav Mittal as CFO
Universal Corporation announced the appointment of Anubhav Mittal as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective February 17, 2026. Mittal's appointment reflects the successful culmination of the company's previously announced CFO search process. "Anubhav joins Universal as a proven finance executive and global business leader with a strong track record of strategic execution and value creation," said Preston D. Wigner, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Universal. "His deep finance experience, international experience, and corporate strategy expertise in public company environments make him a strong leader for our talented global finance organization. Anubhav's background in consumer products, large-scale global agriculture, and food ingredients will also support our corporate strategies with our tobacco and ingredients businesses. We are excited to welcome him to Universal." As previously announced, Johan C. Kroner will retire from his role as CFO effective February 17, 2026, and will remain a Senior Vice President of the company until July 1, 2026, serving as an advisor to Wigner and supporting a smooth CFO transition with Mittal.
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Universal Corporation Appoints New CFO Anubhav Mittal Effective February 17, 2026
- Executive Appointment: Universal Corporation announced the appointment of Anubhav Mittal as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective February 17, 2026, marking a strategic adjustment in the executive team aimed at enhancing financial management capabilities.
- Transition Plan: Current CFO Johan C. Kroner will retire on the same date and continue as Senior Vice President until July 1, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition, which underscores the company's commitment to management stability.
- Background Credentials: Mittal most recently served as CFO of ADM Nutrition, a business with approximately $8 billion in annual revenue, and previously held senior finance and M&A roles at ADM and Kellogg Company, showcasing his extensive experience in financial management within large enterprises.
- Market Performance: Universal Corporation closed at $55.03 on Wednesday, up $0.59 or 1.08%, reflecting a positive market sentiment towards the new CFO appointment, which may have favorable implications for the company's future financial performance.

Universal Corp (UVV) Appoints Anubhav Mittal as CFO Effective February 17, 2026
- Executive Appointment: Universal Corporation has named Anubhav Mittal as CFO effective February 17, 2026, bringing extensive financial management experience from his previous role as CFO of ADM Nutrition, a global business with approximately $8 billion in revenue.
- Transition Support: Current CFO Johan C. Kroner will retire on February 17, 2026, but will remain as a senior vice president and advisor until July 1, 2026, ensuring a smooth management transition and minimizing potential operational risks during this period.
- Strategic Planning: This executive change highlights Universal's commitment to enhancing its future financial strategy, with Mittal's appointment aimed at improving the company's financial performance and market competitiveness, particularly in the current economic climate.
- Market Reaction: While the market remains cautious about Universal's earnings performance, Mittal's addition could present new growth opportunities for the company, especially in optimizing financial structures and boosting investor confidence.






