Tom Vining is an advisor to W.W. Williams.
Tom is a global business executive with more than three decades of experience managing international operations across a range of markets. He is the retired President of Otis Elevator Americas and served as a member of United Technologies’ Executive Leadership Group. He also served as Board President of the National Elevator Industry, Inc., where he contributed to initiatives related to industry standards, innovation, and workforce development.
Over the course of his career at Otis, Tom held multiple international leadership roles, including President of Otis China, President of Otis Korea, and Area Director for Hong Kong and Taiwan. In these roles, he oversaw business transformation and market development efforts, including organizational design, operational change, and adoption of digital technologies.
Since retiring from his operating career, Tom has served on several private equity–backed boards, including VDA Elevator Consulting, NearU, and Fortis Fire & Safety. He provides strategic guidance on scaling operations, leadership development, and navigating evolving market dynamics.
Tom is also active in community and philanthropic work. He serves on the board of Philanthropy Tank, an organization that mentors and funds student-led nonprofit ventures, and has supported several student-driven initiatives as a lead investor.
Tom earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and economics from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard University.