William Fluharty is a results-driven executive with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the specialty chemicals, ingredients, and commercial industries. Currently serving as Vice President of Sales and Commercial Development at Tilley Distribution, Fluharty has established himself as a pivotal leader, known for driving sustainable growth and spearheading strategic initiatives across multiple sectors, including food and beverage, fragrance, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals.
Since joining Tilley Distribution in July 2018, William has been instrumental in leading the company’s sales and commercial teams, particularly within the process chemical, ingredients, and lubricants divisions. His visionary leadership has also extended to managing supplier relationships and overseeing digital marketing initiatives that bolster commercial activities. Tasked with driving both organic and strategic M&A growth, Fluharty played a key role in integrating acquisitions, enhancing Tilley Distribution’s competitive position in the marketplace.
Before his tenure at Tilley Distribution, William held several prominent roles in globally recognized companies. As Global Business Director at Nexeo Solutions, he led the chemical manufacturing vertical, directing supplier management, acquisition efforts, and commercial development. His expertise in supplier engagement and inside sales helped Nexeo Solutions achieve remarkable growth, servicing industries such as HI&I, food and beverage, and life sciences.
William also served as Director of Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals at Univar, a leading global distributor of chemicals. In this capacity, he oversaw the commercial, marketing, and technical support functions for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical business segments, developing critical supplier relationships that propelled Univar’s success in the market. His track record at Univar highlighted his ability to align business strategies with customer needs while navigating the complexities of a global supply chain. As Director of the Pharmaceutical / Life Science business unit, William was also responsible for the acquisition of an Active Ingredients distributor, taking on leadership responsibility for its development and integration into the broader business framework.
Earlier in his career, William held the position of Vice President for the Americas at Avantor, a global specialty chemical company. There, he successfully implemented sales and marketing strategies across three major business units: biotechnology/pharmaceuticals, electronics, and laboratory research/clinical diagnostics. His role included managing a variety of sales channels, including distributors, direct sales teams, and third-party logistics companies, while also strategically balancing inside sales versus third-party logistics to improve efficiency, cost management, and customer satisfaction.
At Brenntag North America, William further honed his leadership and strategic skills, serving as both Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Pacific region and as General Manager for the Western Region at Holland Chemical International. His extensive experience across these roles enabled him to master stakeholder engagement, restructuring sales teams, and managing complex acquisitions, all while consistently driving revenue growth.
In addition to his hands-on experience in senior leadership, William is academically accomplished, holding an Executive MBA in International Management from Hult Ashridge, which he completed in 2006. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, providing him with a strong foundation in financial analysis and business management.
William’s core competencies span a wide range of disciplines, including general management, P&L management, strategic planning, team building, supplier relations, acquisitions, and new business development. His reputation as a calculated risk-taker and an effective problem solver is bolstered by his consistent ability to exceed budget forecasts and drive double-digit sales growth. With a proven track record of building, maintaining, and turning around organizations, Fluharty is a highly sought-after executive with an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and operational excellence.
His leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration and driving innovation while maintaining the highest standards of integrity. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to align organizational strategies with market opportunities, making him a valuable asset to any executive team.
Outside of his professional endeavors, William is passionate about continuous learning and professional development, holding certifications in Quality Improvement Management / ISO 9000 from the Crosby School of Management, Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Managers from the Wharton School, and International General Management from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, which further highlights his commitment to honing his interpersonal and communication skills.
Character: William Fluharty exemplifies exceptional integrity and ethical leadership, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence in all his professional endeavors. His strong moral compass and dedication to ethical practices have earned him the respect and trust of colleagues and partners alike.
Knowledge: With extensive experience in various sectors, including chemical distribution and commercial development, Fluharty brings a deep understanding of industry dynamics and market trends. His educational background in international management and accounting further enhances his ability to navigate complex business environments effectively.
Strategic: Fluharty excels in formulating and executing strategic plans that drive organizational growth and profitability. His track record includes leading successful turnarounds, integrating acquisitions, and developing new business opportunities, showcasing his ability to align strategic vision with operational execution.
Communication: Known for his strong interpersonal skills, Fluharty effectively communicates complex ideas and fosters collaborative relationships across all levels of an organization. His ability to convey strategic objectives and inspire teams contributes significantly to achieving organizational goals and enhancing stakeholder engagement.
