Universal Corporation appoints former BJ's Restaurants CEO to board

RICHMOND - Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) announced Wednesday the appointment of Gregory A. Trojan to its Board of Directors, effective November 5, 2025.

Trojan brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience to the global agricultural company. He previously served as CEO of BJ's Restaurants from 2013 to 2021 and remained on its board until September 2025. His prior experience includes CEO roles at Guitar Center and House of Blues Entertainment, as well as senior leadership positions at PepsiCo.

Currently, Trojan serves on the Board of Directors of Casey's General Stores, Inc. and the Board of Managers of CEC Brands, LLC, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza.

"Greg is a seasoned executive with a strong track record of leading complex organizations, deepening customer relationships and driving strategic growth," said Preston D. Wigner, Chairman, President and CEO of Universal Corporation, according to the company's press release.

Trojan stated, "I'm excited to join the Board at a moment where we are positioning the company for long-term growth."

Universal Corporation describes itself as a global agricultural company with over 100 years of experience supplying products across more than 30 countries on five continents.

In other recent news, Universal Corporation disclosed its first-quarter fiscal year 2026 earnings, showcasing a mixed financial performance. The company reported earnings per share of $0.38, which met market expectations. However, Universal Corporation's revenue came in at $593.8 million, slightly decreasing from the previous year. Despite meeting earnings expectations, the results reflect ongoing concerns about future market conditions and operational challenges. These developments have been a focal point for investors analyzing the company's current standing. The earnings release has not prompted any upgrades or downgrades from major analyst firms. Universal Corporation's financial disclosures continue to be closely monitored by market participants. The company remains under scrutiny as it navigates the evolving market landscape. These recent developments highlight the importance of staying informed about Universal Corporation's financial health.

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