Univar names Foster CIO and Powell President EMEA & APAC

Global chemical distributor Univar Inc. (Downers Grove, IL – United States) has announced the appointment of Eric Foster as Chief Information Officer and Nick Powell as President, EMEA & APAC. Foster succeeds Erik Viens and Powell succeeds Christopher Oversby, both of whom are retiring “upon completing successful transitions with their respective successors” Univar said.

Foster most recently served as Chief Information Officer and Senior VP of Baxalta Inc., the USD 6 bn global bio-pharmaceutical spin off from Baxter International, where he led efforts to accelerate the adoption of cloud-based computing, mobile applications and digital platforms that enabled business growth and created competitive advantage through scalable technology solutions, improved analytics and digital products. Prior to that, he held several executive level IT roles with Baxter International and GE Capital/Heller Financial and served as chief technology officer for Publicis Groupe. Foster started his career at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) delivering advanced technology solutions to clients across an array of industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Powell joined Univar in 2009. He currently serves as VP of Focused Industries for Univar’s EMEA segment and had an active role in the design of our current growth plan for the region. He also oversees the company’s APAC operations, which he will maintain. Prior to Univar, Powell was General Manager with Fosroc, a major construction chemicals company, and held a number of leadership roles at GE Water & Process Technology (formerly BetzDearborn). He holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of the West of England.

Source: Univar press release

HGE – DCG / 14.12.2016