Avnet Express Appoints Exec

PHOENIX — Today, Avnet Express, the e-Commerce engine for Avnet Electronics Marketing, a business region of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), announced the promotion of Andy Thorne to vice president, global e-Commerce merchandizing. In this new role, Thorne will be responsible for establishing and implementing effective strategies to expand Avnet’s online merchandizing strategies. Thorne will utilize his previous experience as a seasoned design engineer and technical expert to set the strategic direction for the AvnetExpress.com online offering at the enterprise level, reporting directly to Beth Ely, senior vice president of Avnet Express.

“Avnet Express is committed to meeting the online needs of the engineering community on a global scale,” said Ely. “Andy brings to this position a unique skill set that will enable him to ensure that the more than 5 million SKUs available from AvnetExpress.com are properly supported and displayed online. Andy will be integral as we evolve AvnetExpress.com, making it easier for engineers to search, find, buy and research today’s technologies.”

Thorne is a 23-year veteran of the electronics industry. Prior to joining Avnet in 1995, Thorne worked as a design engineer at GE Medical, contributing to the nuclear medicine team. Since joining Avnet, Thorne has held roles of increasing responsibility ranging from director of technical marketing to general manager for programmable logic devices in Avnet’s Silica division. Thorne graduated from West Herts College in the United Kingdom and received a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering. He also holds a post-graduate degree in Strategic Management from the Institute of Managers, in London.