Such a shame to see a good company ruined by Equity Firms - Anonymous employee Univar Solutions Employee Review

1.0
Jul 16, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Prior to approximately 3 years ago, this company was generally a great place to work at. It wasn't perfect, but the problems were far outweighed by the great people working there then. Since then, the two equity firms that own it, and the management teams that they have brought it (and rotated through) have decided that absolutely nothing is as important to them as them trying to position the firm for an IPO. This is common knowledge now to anyone in the industrial chemicals sales field. This once great firm is now the laughing stock of the industry. This is such an embarrassment to us former employees.

Cons

Too many to list. I strongly, strongly suggest that you look elsewhere if you are considering working here. Life is just too short to deal with these types of people.

Explore other reviews about Univar Solutions

5.0
Feb 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I enjoyed the job very stable and friendly people

Cons

A little outdated tech systems but doable

2.0
Mar 26, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Exposure to large, high-value accounts and complex operational challenges. The role builds resilience quickly and provides strong experience in account management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. There is a high level of ownership in day-to-day responsibilities, which can accelerate skill development for those who are self-driven.

Cons

Since the acquisition by Apollo, the work environment has noticeably declined. While new processes were introduced, leadership often did not take the time to fully understand or follow them, creating confusion and inconsistency across teams. Employees who raised questions or tried to improve processes were not always received positively, which discouraged feedback and innovation. There is also a lack of alignment between departments, leading to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and added pressure on employees managing critical accounts. Workloads are frequently excessive without adequate support, contributing to burnout and turnover. Compensation does not consistently reflect the level of responsibility and workload expected, which further impacts morale and retention. Overall, the organization feels reactive rather than structured, and direction has become increasingly unclear.

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