Univar Solutions Inc., a global chemical and ingredient distributor and provider of value-added services, today named James B. Holcomb, president of North America Chemical Distribution. In this role, Mr. Holcomb will be responsible for the Company’s chemical distribution businesses in the U.S. and Canada. His first priority will be growing sales in North America in relation to non-specialty products and otherwise optimizing our North American salesforce’s effectiveness. His work will be complemented by the Company’s overall focus on providing an effortless customer experience supported by digitized systems and streamlined processes. In this role, he joins Jennifer McIntyre SVP, Chief Streamline Officer and Head of North American Operations, and Nick Powell, SVP, President Specialty Chemicals & Ingredients, to round out the leadership structure for North America.
Holcomb brings more than 25 years of industry experience leading critical growth projects and adding significant value through in-depth business acumen and commercial discipline practices. He is an accomplished chemical distribution thought leader with an astute focus on driving results and a proven track record of success.
“I’m excited to welcome Jim to the Univar Solutions team,” said David Jukes, president and chief executive officer. “His experience in the chemical distribution market in North America is unparalleled, and he will be a major contributor to our S22 program designed to accelerate growth and increase earnings through a customer centric focus on operational efficiency and Omni-channel sales growth.”
Holcomb joins Univar Solutions after being previously employed by Brenntag, where he held the chief operating officer role for Brenntag North America. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Memphis, as well as completed the International Management Course at Ashridge University in the U.K.
