Universal Corporation filed an 8-K on September 18, 2026, disclosing that J. Patrick O'Keefe, Vice President, Ingredients, was terminated without cause effective September 15, 2026.

Key Highlights

  • Termination date: J. Patrick O'Keefe's termination was effective September 15, 2026.
  • Role: Mr. O'Keefe held the title of Vice President, Ingredients of Universal Corporation.
  • Prior retirement notice: On July 29, 2026, Mr. O'Keefe had notified the Company of his intention to retire, according to the filing.
  • Successor search ongoing: The Company disclosed it continues to follow its previously-announced process of identifying a successor with the assistance of an executive search firm.

Universal Corporation Discloses Officer Departure Under Item 5.02

According to the 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) reported on September 14, 2026, that J. Patrick O'Keefe, Vice President, Ingredients, was terminated without cause, with the termination taking effect on September 15, 2026. The filing was signed on behalf of the company by Catherine H. Claiborne, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

The filing noted that, as previously reported, Mr. O'Keefe had informed the Company on July 29, 2026, of his intention to retire. The current termination action preceded that planned retirement. The Company stated that it "continues to follow its previously-announced process of identifying a successor with the assistance of an executive search firm," indicating the search for a replacement was already underway prior to this filing.

Universal Corporation is headquartered at 9201 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The disclosure was made under Item 5.02 of Form 8-K, which covers departures of directors or certain officers, election of directors, appointment of certain officers, and compensatory arrangements of certain officers.

What Was Disclosed

Universal Corporation reported the without-cause termination of Vice President, Ingredients J. Patrick O'Keefe, effective September 15, 2026, and confirmed that an executive search firm is assisting in identifying a successor for the role.