Rick Hamada CEO, Avnet

Avnet, Inc. announced that Rick Hamada has succeeded Roy Vallee as the company’s CEO.

The transition was previously announced on Feb. 14, 2011, and became effective with the beginning of Avnet’s fiscal year 2012. Vallee will continue to serve as Avnet’s Executive Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. These moves are the culmination of a multi-year CEO succession planning process. Hamada had previously served as COO since July 2006.

"Avnet is performing well, and we have significantly expanded our global footprint, firmly establishing our company as a global leader in value-added technology distribution," said Vallee. "We continue to grow much faster than the markets we serve, while meeting or exceeding our stated return on capital goals. Rick is more than ready to become CEO with the skills, experience, passion and values needed to lead Avnet to the next level of performance. This is the perfect time for this transition, and I truly believe that Avnet’s future is bright. As I step into my new role as executive chairman, I look forward to working closely with our Board and Rick to ensure Avnet’s continued progress, while contributing in new ways to the success of Avnet’s stakeholders."

 Hamada joined Avnet in 1983. He started his career with Avnet as a technical support specialist and rose through the ranks to take on key leadership responsibilities in sales, marketing and business development. In July 2006, Hamada was named COO of Avnet, Inc. and has been directly responsible for Avnet’s two operating groups, Electronics Marketing and Technology Solutions, as well as global logistics operations, information technology, operational excellence and business innovation. Prior to being named COO, Hamada served as global president of Technology Solutions since January 2002, driving profitable growth and global expansion, while achieving Avnet’s highest return on capital performance. Hamada was first elected a corporate officer of Avnet in 1999, is a member of Avnet’s Board of Directors, and chairs Avnet’s Global Executive Council. He is a graduate of San Diego State University. Hamada will become the 9th CEO in the 90-year history of Avnet.

"Avnet has a tremendous future and significant opportunities ahead," said Hamada. "Roy has provided great leadership over the past 13 years, and as a result of his steady and insightful guidance, Avnet has continued to enhance its value to the market, making it the clear leader in our industry. We are well positioned to advance our ongoing journey to premier. I consider it a privilege to lead this great team, and I look forward to working closely with Roy and the Avnet Board of Directors to deliver on Avnet’s key business objectives and commitments for fiscal year 2012 and beyond. I remain personally and deeply committed to accelerating the success of our customers, suppliers, employees and shareholders by maintaining our focus on performance and our value-based management approach to managing, investing in and defining profitable growth across the Avnet enterprise."

Vallee has been with Avnet for 34 years and served as Chairman and CEO for the past 13 years. During his tenure as CEO, Avnet quadrupled sales while improving return on capital employed and cash flow by establishing and driving value-based management principles globally. As Executive Chairman, Vallee will continue to provide Board leadership, focus on a smooth transition and be involved in selected strategic activities.