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Univar Solutions Names James B. Holcomb President of North America Chemical Distribution

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Univar Solutions has appointed James B. Holcomb as the new president of North America Chemical Distribution, effective January 4, 2021. Holcomb, with over 25 years of industry experience, will focus on increasing sales, particularly in non-specialty products, and enhancing the effectiveness of the salesforce in the U.S. and Canada. His leadership is expected to contribute to the company's S22 program aimed at growth and operational efficiency. Holcomb previously served as COO at Brenntag North America and holds degrees from the University of Kentucky and the University of Memphis.

Positive
  • Appointment of experienced leader James B. Holcomb to enhance North American operations.
  • Focus on growing sales in non-specialty products to improve revenue.
  • Holcomb's industry background could lead to significant value addition and operational improvements.
Negative
  • None.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Univar Solutions Inc. (NYSE: UNVR) ("Univar Solutions" or "the Company"), 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 the effectiveness of our North American salesforce.  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 having been previously employed by Brenntag where he held the role of chief operating officer 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.

About Univar Solutions

Univar Solutions (NYSE: UNVR) is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and North American sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, world-class formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools the company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and grow together. Learn more at UnivarSolutions.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain statements relating to future events and our intentions, beliefs, expectations, and outlook for the future, which are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding the impacts of the effects of COVID-19 on the Company, the Company's anticipated future results and financial performance, liquidity position and cash flows, actions regarding expense control and cost reductions, expected net synergies from the Nexeo acquisition, capital expenditures and other statements regarding the Company's Streamline 2022 Program and other initiatives. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations and assumptions. A detailed discussion of these factors and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Potential factors that could affect such forward-looking statements include, among others: the sustained geographic spread of the COVID-19 pandemic; the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; current and new actions that may be taken by governmental authorities to address or otherwise mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the potential negative impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and our customers and suppliers; the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations and financial condition; other fluctuations in general economic conditions, particularly in industrial production and the demands of our customers and the timing and extent of an economic recovery; significant changes in the business strategies of producers or in the operations of our customers; increased competitive pressures, including as a result of competitor consolidation; significant changes in the pricing, demand and availability of chemicals; our levels of indebtedness, the restrictions imposed by our debt instruments, and our ability to obtain additional financing when needed; the broad spectrum of laws and regulations that we are subject to, including extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations; an inability to integrate the business and systems of companies we acquire, including of Nexeo, or to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions; potential business disruptions and security breaches, including cybersecurity incidents; an inability to generate sufficient working capital; increases in transportation and fuel costs and changes in our relationship with third party providers; accidents, safety failures, environmental damage, product quality and liability issues and recalls; major or systemic delivery failures involving our distribution network or the products we carry; operational risks for which we may not be adequately insured; ongoing litigation and other legal and regulatory risks; challenges associated with international operations; exposure to interest rate and currency fluctuations; potential impairment of goodwill; liabilities associated with acquisitions, ventures and strategic investments; negative developments affecting our pension plans and multi-employer pensions; labor disruptions associated with the unionized portion of our workforce; and the other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this press release is not a guarantee of future events or results, and that actual events or results may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "plan," "seek, "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe" or "continue" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Any forward-looking information presented herein is made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

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SOURCE Univar Solutions Inc.

FAQ

Who is the new president of Univar Solutions' North America Chemical Distribution?

James B. Holcomb has been appointed as the president of North America Chemical Distribution.

What will James B. Holcomb focus on in his new role at Univar Solutions?

He will focus on growing sales in non-specialty products and optimizing the effectiveness of the salesforce.

When was James B. Holcomb appointed as president of North America Chemical Distribution?

He was appointed on January 4, 2021.

What experience does James B. Holcomb have before joining Univar Solutions?

He was previously the COO for Brenntag North America and has over 25 years of industry experience.

Univar Solutions Inc.

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