Former Avnet Exec Jim Smith Dies

A Message from Rick Hamada, Chief Executive Officer, Avnet, Inc.

It is with sadness that I report to you that one of our former Avnet Executive Board members, Jim Smith, passed away this morning after losing his battle with a serious illness. As many of you know, Jim recently retired from Avnet and was an inspirational leader for our global logistics team. He was as committed to his employees as he was to the success of Avnet overall. Jim worked diligently to ensure the hard work and efforts of the logistics team globally were recognized throughout the organization for the critical role it plays in our success.

Jim joined Avnet in 2000 as senior vice president and director of operations for Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas. He was then promoted to senior vice president of warehousing and distribution worldwide for Avnet Logistics and became president in June 2006.

A 40-year veteran of the electronics industry, Jim began his career at Lear Siegler. He joined Marshall Industries in 1971 and held sales and marketing posts before being appointed vice president of operations in 1977. He later joined Wyle's electronics marketing group as vice president of operations and quality assurance, and served as chief executive officer of Atlas Services North America, an LLC of VEBA Electronics Group, from 1998 to 2000.

In 2007, Jim was named to the prestigious list of Provider Pros to Know from Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine, which annually recognizes executives who have personally helped raise the profile and increase the importance of supply chain as a strategic enterprise function.

He served in the United States Marine Corp, was a Vietnam veteran and a strong supporter and member of the board of directors of ICAN, an Arizona-based community service organization.

For those of you who knew Jim personally, you know what a compassionate and fun-loving person he was. From singing in videos to supporting the local community, Jim was always ready to do whatever was necessary and would roll up his sleeves to get the job done.

We will miss him and our sympathies go out to his wife, Karen, and his family.

As of this time, service arrangements have not been announced.

Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT)