Avnet,
Inc. (NYSE: AVT),
a leading global technology distributor, today announced the promotion
of Graham McBeth to the role of president of Premier Farnell Plc,
effective immediately. McBeth will report directly to Gerry Fay,
president, global business units, Avnet. In his new role, McBeth will be
responsible for the strategic direction, day-to-day operations and
performance of Premier Farnell.
McBeth, who most recently served as President of Avnet Abacus, the Avnet
business specializing in interconnect, passive and electromechanical
(IP&E) products throughout Europe, replaces Premier Farnell’s interim
President Steven Webb. Webb, a 16-year veteran of Premier Farnell, has
played an integral role during the last several months in overseeing
Premier Farnell’s integration into the Avnet organization. He will
remain with the company until January 31, 2017, to assist in the
leadership transition.
“Graham is an accomplished leader who knows how to win in the market.
With his strong commitment to team building, Graham grew the Avnet
Abacus division into one of the most well-respected IP&E businesses in
Europe,” said Fay. “His deep understanding of Avnet’s global business
will enable Graham to serve as a great bridge for the Premier Farnell
team, its customers and suppliers.”
“Since Avnet first announced its intent to acquire Premier Farnell, I
recognized what a tremendous opportunity this would be to advance
Avnet’s strategy of providing customers with a differentiated digital
experience throughout the entire product lifecycle,” said McBeth. “This
is the start of an exciting new chapter for both Avnet and Premier
Farnell, and I am thrilled to have the chance to help drive further
success for our organization and our design and supply chain partners.”
A native of Scotland, McBeth is a results-oriented leader with extensive
industry experience. He graduated from Glasgow University in 1984 and
spent 11 years at National Semiconductor in a variety of roles, from
product marketing to distribution and sales management. McBeth joined
Abacus Group Plc in 1995, was appointed to the main board as technical
director in 1997, and later became group managing director of Abacus
with responsibility for the company’s sales and marketing strategy. In
2009, following the acquisition of Abacus Group by Avnet, McBeth became
president of Avnet Abacus and led the IP&E specialist to a top position
in the European market.
Headquartered in Leeds, United Kingdom, Premier Farnell is a global
distributor of electronic components that utilizes a digital platform to
provide innovators and engineers with the latest products, services and
development software. Avnet offered to acquire Premier Farnell in July
2016 and completed the acquisition in October 2016.
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About Avnet, Inc.
From components to cloud and design to disposal, Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT)
accelerates the success of customers who build, sell and use technology
globally by providing them with a comprehensive portfolio of innovative
products, services and solutions. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.
Avnet Electronics Marketing
Sean Fanning, 480-643-7824
Senior VP, Marketing and Communications
Sean.Fanning@avnet.com
or
Avnet, Inc.
Maureen O’Leary, 480-643-7499
Media Relations
maureen.oleary@avnet.com