Around Universal
2026 Summer Newsletter
A Message from Preston
Welcome to the New Employee Newsletter
Universal’s greatest strength has always been its people. Across our businesses, functions, and locations, employees bring expertise, dedication, and integrity to their work every day.
As we look to the future, Strengthening Our Organization remains an important strategic priority. Strength requires investment in our business so we can pursue new opportunities and expand our existing capabilities. One of our most important investments will be in our people – encouraging collaboration across teams, and building a culture grounded in our Mission, Vision, and Values.
Over the coming months, we will continue bringing those principles to life across our U.S. operations while partnering with colleagues around the world to support this work in their regions. By building a shared understanding of who we are, what we stand for, and how we work together as One Universal, we strengthen the foundation for our future.
Around Universal is an opportunity to strengthen connection across our company by sharing the stories, achievements, and ideas that reflect our people and our work. I hope you will consider contributing examples that show what One Universal looks like in action. Details for submission are included at the end of this newsletter.
Thank you for the purpose you bring to your work each day and for the many ways you support one another and Universal. Your efforts strengthen our company and help carry our mission forward.
Preston D. Wigner
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
What's in this Edition?
01
Getting to Know Our New CHRO: A Conversation with Tatiana Godoi
02
A Shared Direction: Introducing Universal's Mission, Vision, and Values
03
MobiLeafTM Reaches Major Milestone with New On-Farm Price Negotiation Module in Brazil
04
Exploring the Ingredients Portfolio
05
Benefits Brief: Summer Safety
06
The Right Choice—Again and Again
07
Celebrating Culture Through a Brazilian Churrasco
08
Special Olympics Virginia: Supporting Athletes, Strengthening Community
09
Running Together for a Stronger Community
10
Meet Our New Team Members
11
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
12
Before You Go!
Getting to Know Our New CHRO:
A Conversation with Tatiana Godoi
One of Universal’s strategic priorities is to Strengthen Our Organization for the Future, and the creation of the Chief Human Resources Officer role is an important step in that work. Recently we sat down with Tatiana for a closer look at what this new role means for our teams and for the future of our people strategy. Tatiana shares how she hopes to partner across the business and offers her perspective on how the HR function will continue to evolve as our company grows.
It signals that we are in a new moment. We have a relatively new CEO in Preston, a number of new leaders across the organization, and a genuine opportunity to frame something different. When this role was presented to me, what really stood out was the chance to shape the future rather than simply continue what someone else had already built. That is not easy to find. What excites me most is that we are not in a steady state. We have the opportunity, and frankly the responsibility, to define what Universal’s people strategy looks like for the next chapter.
I have come from very large organizations with well-established HR functions, and personally, I am the type of person who is energized by change and by making the work environment better. Here, I can define the approach I believe is right for this business. My peers and I, especially alongside Preston, are building the people strategy together. We recently presented a three-year HR strategy to the Board, built around three pillars: culture, leadership, and talent. The Board was very supportive, and that gives us the green light to start accelerating. That is exciting.
I want people to know that we are building real programs and real structure. For example, we are currently conducting a search for a Global Head of Talent, a new role that will help fast-track leadership development and talent programs across the organization. That means things like leadership tracks, development programs, and other opportunities that
people are genuinely hungry for. My goal is to create an environment where people can flourish. Where they have the right capabilities, the right structure, and a great place to work.
I want to be clear about something: we are not changing our culture because something is broken. We are evolving it because the world is changing – technology, generational shifts in the workforce, the business environment – and we need to keep ourselves relevant. A company that does not evolve risks being left behind, and Universal has been successful for more than 100 years. We want to protect that.
What grounds me is a phrase I once read: everything changed except for a base and a stable foundation that never changed. Our values are that foundation. We are not changing who we are or the DNA of this company, but we cannot operate the same way we did decades ago. What I want employees to understand is that this evolution is not about any one person or any single initiative. It is about preparing Universal for the next 100 years, which is exactly the vision Preston laid out when he became CEO. That work starts today.
Five years from now, I want HR to be seen as a true strategic partner to the business, not only the team you go to for benefits and payroll, though getting those foundations right is essential. I want HR to be a function that helps shape how the organization is designed, how people develop, and how we accelerate growth. My vision is a globally connected, regionally led model: non-negotiables around values, culture, and leadership development that we build together, but with the freedom for each region to operate in a way that makes sense for their context.
And the message I hope every employee takes away is simply this: everything we are building is in service of making Universal ready for the next 100 years. That means having the right structure, the right capabilities, and a workplace where people genuinely want to be. That is what I am here to build, and I could not be more excited to build it with all of you.
Interview conducted by Sarah Logue – Corporate Communications Associate, Universal Corporation
A Shared Direction: Introducing Universal's Mission, Vision, and Values
Sarah Logue – Corporate Communications Associate, Universal Corporation
As Universal continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: we are strongest when we move forward together. Over the coming months, employees across our domestic operations will begin seeing and hearing more about Universal’s new Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV). Developed with input from leaders across our global organization, the MVV establishes a shared foundation for who we are, where we are headed, and how we work together as One Universal.
Our Mission reflects the work we do every day:
Deliver innovative agriproduct solutions and connect global communities to cultivate sustainable growth.
Our Vision looks toward the future we are building together:
Be the premier connection where local and global communities grow together through customized agriproducts.
Our business spans countries, cultures, operations, and product lines, but we are united by a common purpose. Whether supporting growers, serving customers, or enabling our business behind the scenes, every employee plays an important role in our collective success. The MVV connects us through a shared language that reflects our commitment to one another and the communities we serve.
Supporting our Mission and Vision are five core Values that guide with how we work every day:
Purpose
Integrity
Community
Respect
Collaboration
These values are more than words on a page. They represent the behaviors that strengthen our relationships, shape our decisions, and help create a culture where employees across every location and business can succeed together. As the MVV is introduced throughout our domestic operations, you will see it reflected in meetings, communications, training, and everyday conversations. Along the way, you’ll also learn how these principles connect to your role and contribute to our shared success.
The journey ahead is about more than introducing new statements. It’s about strengthening what has always made Universal successful: our people. By embracing a common Mission, Vision, and Values, we continue building a stronger, more connected organization that is One Universal.
MobiLeafTM Reaches Major Milestone with New On-Farm Price Negotiation Module in Brazil
Chad Smith – Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Universal Leaf
In January 2026, MobiLeafTM reached an important milestone. Fifteen years after its initial launch in 2011, the next generation of MobiLeafTM officially launched in Brazil with the introduction of its new on-farm price Negotiation module.
Developed in response to legislation in the State of Rio Grande do Sul requiring tobacco companies to negotiate prices or define purchase grades directly on farmers’ properties, the module ensures compliance while strengthening transparency and traceability. More importantly, it represents the first step in a broader transformation. The New MobiLeafTM is designed to support end-to-end operations, from grower registration and contracting to collecting key business and sustainability data, creating a powerful platform for data-driven decision-making.
From day one, the system was fully integrated with Universal’s Tobacco Operations Information System (TOIS). Negotiation details captured on the farm are instantly available during purchasing as tobacco bales are scanned, enabling secure, transparent, and fully traceable transactions without the need for manual controls or parallel processes. Enhanced synchronization architecture also makes data exchange faster, lighter, and more reliable, increasing confidence in field-collected information.
The project reflects strong global collaboration between development teams in Africa, Brazil, the Philippines, and the US. Through dedicated business committees, participating countries will help shape future enhancements, ensuring the platform evolves with real operational needs while maintaining scalable and consistent worldwide.
Seventy-three Field Technicians across Rio Grande do Sul are already using the new application, supported by structured training sessions in January. The rollout has been highly successful, with minimal issues and overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighting clear improvements over the legacy system.
This milestone reinforces MobiLeafTM role as a strategic digital platform and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.
Exploring the Ingredients Portfolio
Caryn Foster Durham – AVP, Corporate Communications, Universal Corporation
Universal Ingredients has been built on the combined strengths of FruitSmart, Silva, and Shank’s whose products, expertise, and capabilities define the breadth of the portfolio. Members of Universal’s executive leadership team recently visited each location to get a closer view of the people, processes, and customer-focused work shaping the Ingredients business.
Preston Wigner, Steve Diehl (CFO), and Tatiana Santos Godoi (CHRO) joined Pat O’Keefe, Sr. Vice President, Universal Ingredients, for several days of site visits, leadership meetings, and employee conversations. Together, the group spent time learning more about the operations, discussing customer needs and capabilities, and exploring opportunities across the Ingredients portfolio.
The visits reflected the spirit of One Universal as teams shared perspectives, connected local expertise to the broader business, and strengthened understanding across the company.
Benefits Brief: Summer Safety
Michelle Staton – Benefits Administrator III, Universal Leaf
Summer Skin Safety
One of the last things on your mind while you’re relaxing at the beach is the possibility of developing skin cancer years down the road. But how you care for your skin now — and your children’s skin — can make a big difference. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, accounting for nearly half of cancer cases worldwide.
The American Cancer Society reports that about 3.5 million cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. The good news: consistent, proper sunscreen use can significantly lower your risk. Look for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula with a SPF of 30 or higher.
Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion, and Other Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illnesses are a genuine risk in summer, especially when working or exercising outdoors. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and make staying hydrated a priority on hot days.
Sun Damage to Eyes
UV-protective sunglasses do more than keep the glare at bay. Shielding your eyes from ultraviolet light helps reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium (an abnormal growth on the white of the eye), and photokeratitis (essentially, sunburned eyes). Effective protection does not have to come with a high price tag: any sunglasses offering 95% to 100% UV protection will do the job.
Insect Stings, Ticks, and Lyme Disease Prevention
Spending time outdoors means taking a few extra precautions against insect bites, stings, and ticks. After any outdoor activity, check yourself and your family frequently for ticks, paying close attention to underarms, navel, behind your knees, and anywhere clothing presses against the skin, as ticks tend to favor those spots. If anyone in your family has a known allergy to bee or insect stings, make sure you have emergency treatment is on hand before heading out for the day.
Away from Home? Your Coverage Travels with You
Whether you are traveling within the U.S. or abroad, Anthem members have access to care when they need it. Please see this flyer from Anthem for details on how to access your coverage away from home.
The Right Choice—Again and Again
Shauna Mullan-Smith – Director of Compliance, Universal Corporation
Imagine every decision you make today repeating infinitely. Would you still choose the same path?
This is the essence of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of eternal recurrence, a thought experiment challenging us to live as though every action will echo forever. In compliance, it’s more than philosophy. It’s a practical standard.
When you face a dilemma, whether to report a conflict of interest, resist a bribe, or speak up about misconduct, ask yourself: Would I be proud to relive this choice, endlessly?
Why It Matters
Ethical decisions don’t just help us avoid penalties. They shape who we are and the culture we build together. Research consistently shows that rationalizing unethical behavior rarely starts with a dramatic choice. It starts small, just this once, and each repetition quietly erodes the integrity and trust that hold organizations together.
The SAVVY Model
When the path isn’t clear, a structured approach helps:
- Spot the ethical dilemma
- Alternatives: evaluate options and consequences
- Verify legality and alignment with policy
- Values: consider how the decision reflects your principles
- Yardstick: ask yourself, Would I be proud to make this same choice, forever?
Three Questions Before You Decide
- Would I be comfortable if this decision were made public?
- Does this align with our Code of Conduct and Anti-Corruption Policy?
- Would I want to make this same choice, over and over, indefinitely?
When we choose integrity, we don’t just avoid one bad outcome. We break the cycle of corruption and build a culture where doing the right thing becomes second nature.
So the next time you face a tough call, apply the test: Would I want this decision to define me, forever?
Celebrating Culture Through a Brazilian Churrasco
To close out the fiscal year and celebrate another year of shared accomplishments, employees at Universal Headquarters gathered for a traditional Brazilian Churrasco Cookout.
A churrasco is more than a meal. It’s a longstanding Brazilian tradition centered on bringing people together. Known for its fire-grilled meats prepared over an open flame, a churrasco is a celebration of community, hospitality, and connection, with family, friends, and colleagues gathering to share great food and conversation.
The Headquarters event embraced that spirit with an authentic menu featuring churrasco-style grilled meats, traditional side dishes, refreshing Brazilian-inspired beverages, and classic desserts that showcased the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Employees enjoyed the opportunity to experience the flavors of Brazil while spending time with colleagues before the Memorial Day weekend.
The cookout also served as a reminder of Universal’s global footprint and the many cultures that shape our organization. Events like these provide an opportunity to learn about one another, celebrate the diversity of our people, and strengthen the connections that unite us across Universal.
A special thanks to you the Universal HQ Churrasco Committee and the many volunteers whose time and effort made this memorable celebration possible.
Special Olympics Virginia:
Supporting Athletes, Strengthening Community
Victoria Kummings – HRIS Analyst II, Universal Leaf
Universal Headquarters employees recently demonstrated our Values in action by volunteering with the 2026 Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games, the Commonwealth’s largest annual sporting events for Special Olympics athletes.
On June 5, team members supported key event operations, including athlete registration, staging, and the Pentathlon, escorting athletes through more than 17 track and field events. Their efforts helped create a welcoming, organized, and encouraging experience for the more than 1,200 athletes participating in the Summer Games.
For more than 50 years, Special Olympics Virginia has provided year-round sports training and athletic competition, empowering athletes to build confidence, develop skills, and experience the joy of competition while fostering inclusion within their communities.
The day reflected Universal’s Values in meaningful ways. Employees demonstrated community by supporting the Special Olympics’ dedication to inclusion, collaboration by working alongside fellow volunteers and event organizers, respect by encouraging athletes of all abilities, and purpose by giving their time to help create a memorable experience for every athlete.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered and represented Universal with enthusiasm, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Running Together for a
Stronger Community
Randy Robinson – Accounting Consolidations Director, Universal Leaf
Approximately 30 employees from Universal Headquarters, along with family members, participated in the 2026 Markel Corporate Run on June 4, joining thousands of participants from organizations across the Richmond region for an evening of fitness, teamwork, and community engagement.
Hosted annually by Sports Backers, the Corporate Run brings local companies together while supporting the nonprofit’s mission to inspire active living through events, youth programming, fitness initiatives, and safe places to walk, run, and bike throughout the Richmond region.
Despite temperatures reaching 90 degrees, Universal participants embraced the challenge and the opportunity to connect with colleagues outside the workplace. The first Universal finishers were Sam Baronian, Tax Manager (22 minutes), Nick Smith, Vice President of Internal Audit (25 minutes), and Wushuang Ma, Vice President of Treasury (30 minutes).
The event was another example of Universal’s Values in action. Employees strengthened community through connections with colleagues and fellow participants, demonstrated collaboration by encouraging one another throughout the race, and represented Universal with purpose, supporting an event that promotes healthier, more active communities.
Thank you to everyone who participated and proudly represented Universal both on and off the course.
Meet Our New Team Members
Our team continues to grow, and we’re excited to introduce the newest members of the Universal community. Take a moment to get to know each new colleague by hovering your cursor over their photo to reveal a short biography or tapping their photo on mobile devices.
Abby Reedy
Internal Auditor, Universal Leaf
Arnie Azenha
David Augustosky
Assistant Storage Manager, Lancaster Leaf Tobacco
David Gustin
Associate General Counsel ULT, Universal Leaf
Elsa Knapp
Sustainability Manager, Universal Leaf
Heather Duncan
Corporate Paralegal, Universal Leaf
Kevine Kamga
Application Support, Lancaster Leaf Tobacco
Kole Blauch
Production Accountant, Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Company
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Brooke Elam
Brooke graduated from Clover Hill High School in Midlothian, Virginia, on May 21, 2026. A four-year member of the girls’ varsity basketball team and team captain, Brooke will continue her academic and career at Eastern Mennonite University this fall, where she has committed to play basketball. Brooke is the daughter of Alycia Elam who works at Universal Headquarters.
Christian Cummings
Christian graduated from Highland Springs High School on May 29 and earned his Center of Engineering Program certification. In addition to competing on the school’s volleyball and tennis teams, he travelled to Japan during his senior year through the Northern Virginia STEM program. This fall, Christian will attend North Carolina A&T State University to study Electrical Engineering. He is the son of Adrienne Cummings of Universal Headquarters.
Ethan Elam
Ethan graduated from Christopher Newport University on May 16, 2026, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. During his time at CNU, he was active in the Association for Computing Machinery Club, CNU Tonight Club, and Bluebird Gap Farm Club. Ethan is the son of Alycia Elam who works at Universal Headquarters.
Josue Camacho
Josue graduated from Nash Community College with an Associate in Engineering degree. He has been accepted to UNC Charlotte, where he will begin studies this fall toward a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. A car enthusiast, Josue enjoys hosting and attending car meets in his free time. He is the son of Yuri Chavez-Mejia of Universal Leaf North America.
Karis R. Moore
Karis graduated from Halifax Community College, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. She will begin her professional career this June with Wells Family Dental Group in Raleigh, North Carolina. Karis is the daughter of McKinley Glen Moor, Maintenance Planner at Universal Leaf North America.
Maureen Rave Ching
Maureen Rave Ching earned her Masters of Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan University on December 5, 2025. This achievement reflects her dedication to continued learning and professional growth. Maureen is the daughter of Mary Vay Rave Ching, an employee of Universal Leaf Tobacco Co., Inc.
Taj Thomas
Taj graduated from Meadowbrook High School on May 22, with an Advanced Studies Diploma. He was a center fielder on the school’s varsity baseball team and earned his third-degree black belt while serving as an assistant martial arts instructor. Taj will continue working at the Martial Arts World of Glen Allen while pursuing a career in aviation. He is the son of Tasha Thomas, Accounts Payable Accountant at Universal Headquarters.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 graduates. Your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments have made your families and communities proud. We celebrate this important milestone and wish you continued success in all that lies ahead.
Before You Go!
From the Editor
Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of Around Universal. I hope you found something that informed you, inspired you, or gave you a better sense of the incredible work happening across our company, and that you enjoyed the fresh design as much as we enjoyed building it. Around Universal is all about sharing what’s happening across our company, and that starts with you. Your milestones, projects, community efforts, team celebrations, and examples of our Mission, Vision, and Values in action are what bring this newsletter to life.
If there’s news from your team or location that others should know about, we’d love to hear from you. There are several ways to reach us:
- Submit your article ideas, photos, and content through the Corporate Communications Project Request Portal.
- Email story ideas to stories@universalleaf.com.
- Share photos from company events, volunteer activities, or team celebrations by sending them to photos@universalleaf.com.
In the months ahead, you can look forward to more employee stories, business updates, community highlights, safety and wellness features, recognition, and a closer look at the people and teams driving Universal forward. Around Universal is published quarterly, so watch your inbox for the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer editions throughout the year.
Upcoming Publication Schedule:
- Fall – October 2026
- Winter – January 2027
- Spring – April 2027
- Summer – July 2027
This redesign is the product of a small, dedicated team, and we wanted to introduce ourselves as part of this first issue. Together, we’re committed to making this newsletter one you look forward to reading, and we’re always glad to hear from new voices across the company. If you have questions, ideas, or just want to say hello, reach out to any of us directly using the contacts below.
We look forward to hearing from you and sharing what’s happening Around Universal!
Sarah Sutton Logue
Corporate Communications Associate
Have a story to share?
Submit your article ideas, photos, and content suggestions through our Project Request Portal, or email them straight to stories@universalleaf.com and photos@universalleaf.com.
Whether it’s a team win, a community initiative, or an employee milestone, we want to hear from you!
Publication Schedule
October 2026
January 2027
April 2027
July 2027
Contacts
Editor's Note
Over the past several months, we’ve been working to create a more modern, engaging, and accessible experience, and I’m excited to finally share it with you.
While our previous PDF format served us well for many years, this new digital platform gives us far greater flexibility to tell our story. Content is easier to navigate, designed to look great on any device, and built to help you quickly find what matters most to you. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to bringing you meaningful content: business updates, employee news, company initiatives, community involvement, and the many ways our people are making an impact around the world.
This newsletter is about more than information. It’s about celebrating our people, recognizing achievements, highlighting innovation, and showcasing the many ways our teams live our Mission, Vision, and Values every day. From employee milestones to volunteer efforts and community impact, every issue is an opportunity to learn more about the people and work that make Universal successful.
Most importantly, this newsletter is for you, and some of our best stories will come directly from you. If your team has a success to celebrate, a project to highlight, or a colleague with a story worth sharing, I’d love to hear from you. Your ideas and contributions will help shape future editions and ensure this newsletter truly reflects the incredible work happening across our company.
Thank you for reading. Here’s to staying connected!
Sarah Sutton Logue
Corporate Communications Associate
Publication Schedule
October 2026
January 2027
April 2027
July 2027
Mark Your Calendars
JULY 6 - AUG 14
Global Employee Photography Contest
Share your unique perspective by submitting original photos that showcase the places, environments, operations, and communities that shape your work. Entries are due August 14, and winning photos may be featured in corporate communications, sustainability reporting, and other Company publications.
For the Official Guidelines, click here.
TUESDAY, AUG 4
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Tuesday, August 4, at 11:00 a.m. EST at Universal’s headquarters. The meeting is an important annual event where Company leadership reviews business performance, discusses future priorities, and conducts the formal business of the Company with shareholders.
Have a story to share?
Submit your article ideas, photos, and content suggestions through our Project Request Portal, or email them straight to stories@universalleaf.com and photos@universalleaf.com.
Whether it’s a team win, a community initiative, or an employee milestone, we want to hear from you!