Hugh K. Williams

Chairman - KWILL Merchant Advisors

Hugh Williams is the co-founder of KWILL Merchant Advisors, a DBE investment advisory enterprise which sits at the intersection of committed capital, real estate and management consulting. Additionally, Hugh is the Director of Strategic Relationships and Entrepreneurship at Sterling Bay, leading Sterling Bay’s Bay investment in, and partnership with, local minority- and women-owned businesses that work with Chicago’s commercial real estate industry. ​

Together with Sterling Bay leadership, Hugh allocates firm resources – including capital, mentorship opportunities and professional relationships – to Chicago-based entrepreneurs, empowering them to develop a significant presence in their field. Hugh has led Industrial teams in managing transactions across North America for clients including: Tricor Pacific, BFG Supply Company, ITW, Dow Chemical, and PON North America. A former Big 10 Conference football player and wrestler, Hugh, received his undergraduate and master’s degree from Northwestern University.​

  • Northwestern University M.S. in Marketing & Communications, ​
  • Northwestern University B.S. in Psychology;  Division I Football ​
  • Umoja Supply Chain Solutions – Co-Founder​
  • Circle City Rebar – Co-Owner​
  • MK Asset Management – Principal​
  • Sterling Bay – Advisor​
  • Avison Young – Principal ​
  • Cushman Wakefield – Sr. Director ​