Tyree D. Williams is a dynamic corporate executive, entrepreneur, and community leader with more than two decades of experience driving growth and transformation across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and beverage alcohol industries. He currently serves as Founder & Managing Director of Combined Minds CPG Consultants, where he advises small-to-mid-sized beverage producers and importers on strategies that have delivered measurable results, including more than 113% volume growth and 130% distribution expansion for clients within five months.

 

Previously, Tyree held senior leadership roles at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the world’s largest beverage distributor, where he oversaw national trade development, commercial strategy, and operations. As Vice President of Commercial Strategy for the American Liberty Division, he directed enterprise digital and trade programming solutions, streamlined a multitude of business processes, and improved cross-functional collaboration. His leadership of multi-billion-dollar business units consistently produced year-over-year growth, optimized supplier value, and achieved record-breaking performance goals. Earlier in his career, Tyree held key executive positions at Pernod Ricard USA, where he led national sales, operations, and market development efforts across multiple states.

 

In addition to his corporate career, Tyree is a committed serial entrepreneur and community builder. He is co-owner of The UPS Store – Midtown Detroit, one of Michigan’s top-performing franchises, and founder of Pillar & Pride Detroit, a wellness centered e-commerce and plant based food distribution business that not only provides health-focused products but also serves as a platform for emerging Black-owned brands, an educational resource hub, and a contributing partner to likeminded community organizations. Since founding Combined Minds Investments in 2005, Tyree has cultivated real estate and technology equity positions that reinforce his long-term vision of reinvestment and empowerment in Detroit.

 

A Detroit native, Tyree earned a B.A. in Economics from Michigan State University, where he also served as President of the Black Student Alliance, and later completed an MBA in Training & Development at Roosevelt University in Chicago. In 2018, he further sharpened his leadership capabilities through Harvard Business School’s Preeminent Leaders Program.

 

Beyond business, Tyree is a mentor, public speaker, and advocate for youth and community empowerment. He has spoken widely to audiences of young adults, professionals, and civic leaders on topics such as purposeful living, navigating corporate environments, and economic independence. His career has spanned work, research, and teaching in more than 20 countries, equipping him with a cross-cultural lens that he brings to both professional and civic engagement.

 

Tyree and his wife, Randi, are raising their two sons in Detroit, where they strive to model the values of family, service, and economic independence.