Avnet, Inc. Announces Ed Smith Elected Corporate Officer

Avnet, Inc. Announces Ed Smith Elected Corporate Officer

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) today announced the election of Ed Smith as a new corporate vice president. Promoted to president of Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas in February 2009, Smith is a 20-year-plus electronics industry veteran and is responsible for guiding the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of that multi-billion dollar business.

“Ed has demonstrated exceptional performance over the course of his career, and his contributions have helped Avnet advance our leadership position in the Americas marketplace,” said Roy Vallee, chairman and CEO, Avnet, Inc. “His commitment to accelerating the success of our customers, suppliers, employees and shareholders has earned him the respect of his colleagues throughout the organization and this officer promotion.”

Smith began his career at an industrial distribution company before joining Avnet, where he held various sales and operational positions, including district manager in Los Angeles and Phoenix, and director of sales for Avnet's Industrial Marketing Group. He left Avnet to serve as president and chief executive officer of SMTEK International, an electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, and served on its board of directors. He returned to Avnet in 2004 as senior vice president of sales for Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas. In his current position he reports to Harley Feldberg, global president of Avnet Electronics Marketing.

In 2007, Smith was a recipient of the Avnet Chairman's Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement, and in 2008 he was honored by the National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA) with its Distinguished Service Award.

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