ITASCA, IL – Chemical distributor Fitz Chem-Nagase Group has appointed Tom Downing to a newly developed role as Director of New Supplier Development. In this role, Downing will evaluate new suppliers to identify strategic matches for Fitz Chem’s product portfolio, manage select Fitz Chem suppliers, and oversee management of proprietary Fitz Chem produced products.

Downing has served as Fitz Chem’s Director of Sales-North for the past three years. Prior to joining Fitz Chem, he had extensive experience in leadership roles in both manufacturing and distribution management. “Tom will play a critical role in Fitz Chem-Nagase Group’s strategy to expand our sales model in both geography and product portfolio width. His understanding of the distribution market and competitive manufacturing landscape make him a key asset in our approach to this strategy,” said Robert Milano, Fitz Chem-Nagase Group’s Director of Supplier Management.

Concurrent with this appointment, Fitz Chem announced the appointment of Ian Giloth to the position of Director of Sales-North, continuing the positive momentum of leadership and growth in industrial chemicals. Giloth recently served as Sr. Manager – Marketing & Sales, Base Chemicals, for Sasol Chemicals North America and before that was a Sr. Account Manager – Performance Urethane Polyols at Monument Chemical LLC. Prior to his chemical manufacturing career, he had an extensive background in distribution with Univar and Chemcentral, occupying several key sales management roles and culminating with his final position in business development, where he was responsible for key supplier negotiations and relationships.

“We are thrilled to have Ian onboard as the newest member of our leadership team,” said Al Bernhardt, Vice President of Industrial Chemicals. “His broad experience in the chemical industry in sales and supplier management coupled with his extensive background in distribution with Chemcentral and Univar, Ian is an excellent leadership fit for Fitz Chem-Nagase Group as we progress our specialty selling approach in the marketplace”.

Fitz Chem is a member of the NAGASE Group, a leader in innovative solutions for the chemicals, plastics, electronics, life sciences and automotive markets.