@Bolaji - Thanks for elaborating on Mr. Hamada's experience and challenges. Based on his tenure under Vallee, I'm am sure he understands the market dynamics and is the best choice to continue Avnet's pace.
Eldredge, Vallee will be a "hard act to follow" not just because of who he is but also because the profile of the market has changed so much. He took over at a time of rapid growth and by adopting a strategy of growth through consolidation and natural expansion he managed to elevate the company dramatically.
His successor Rick Hamada has driven some of that growth and strategy alongside Vallee. The new area of opportunity for Avnet in future will be in Asia because the European and North American markets are maturing fast. The Asian market is in full growth mode, however. The region is also ripe for consolidation so it's possible Avnet may be a $40 billion company in another 10 years, which -- if it comes to pass -- would mean his successors have truly improved upon Vallee's legacy.
Vallee was probably one of the biggest initiators and champions of change in the components distribution market over the last 20 years.
@Bolaji, thanks for the post. Nobody can forget Vallee's contribution to components distribution market. He has done phenomenal job of growing Avnet from small 2 billion company into big 26 billion company. It would be tough to replace Vallee but I am sure Hamada is the best candidate for this post because he has proven track record as a thoughtful and adept business leader.
Barbara, I borrowed the phrase "end of an era" from another Avnet veteran Al Maag to describe Vallee's retirement. As you pointed out Steve Kaufman was another person who helped drive the changes that have occurred over the years in distribution and adjacent electronics sectors. They will both be sorely missed.
One thing I didn't mention in the blog is the fact that these two are also the ultimate gentlemen in their treatment of employees, customers and industry contacts. They also knew when to do something else. Kaufmann retired to teach and I don't know what Vallee is going to do next. He is still a relatively young person -- I believe he is 59 years old and has a lot more to offer society.
I am looking forward both to what happens next at Avnet and what Vallee does next.
I had the privilege of working with Roy even before he was named CEO of Avnet. He, along with Arrow's Steve Kaufman, helped elevate distribution in both the eyes of the industry and of Wall Street. The professionalism of these organizations as well as the recognition that this is a people-driven -- vs. sales-driven -- business has changed the face of the industry. Roy has left a legacy, a foundation and a team that will serve the company well going forward. But it is truly the end of an era.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
To save this item to your list of favorite EBN content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
