Avnet,
Inc. (NYSE: AVT),
a leading global technology distributor, today announced that Roy
Vallee, executive chairman of Avnet, Inc., was honored with the
"OneNeck IT Services People's Choice Lifetime Achievement Award" during
the annual Governor's Celebration of Innovation event on November 17,
2011.
Roy Vallee, Avnet Executive Chairman, accepted the "OneNeck IT Services People's Choice Lifetime Achievement Award" during the Governor's Celebration of Innovation event on November 17, 2011. (Photo: Business Wire)
"Roy is the definition of a role-model leader, one who has greatly
impacted the technology industry here in Arizona," said Steven G.
Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "His
long-term vision and inspirational leadership helped transformed Avnet
into a multi-billion dollar world-class enterprise, which has made
Arizona a better place for technology and a better place to live."
Commenting on his award, Vallee said, "In many ways, this award
recognizes the employees of Avnet, whose demonstrated adaptability and
commitment to our vision and core values has truly made the difference
in our success over time. This award is also shared with my wife, Cindy,
and my family who have supported my demanding schedule for many years. I
would also like to express my sincere thanks to Steve Zylstra for his
tremendous leadership at the Arizona Technology Council and for helping
make Arizona a great place for Avnet and technology companies to call
home."
Vallee began a career in technology distribution working in the
warehouse stocking shelves and joined Avnet in 1977. He rose through the
Avnet sales and management ranks to be named COO in 1992. Six years
later, he took the helm as chairman of the board and chief executive
officer, and, under his leadership, Avnet grew from $6 billion to over
$26 billion in sales in fiscal year 2011. In July 2011, Vallee
relinquished his CEO duties and stepped into his new role as Avnet's
executive chairman.
During his tenure as CEO, Vallee accelerated Avnet's success as an
industry consolidator and was instrumental in Avnet's acquisition of 47
companies to increase geographic coverage, scale and scope, and
shareholder value. He also introduced value-based management to Avnet in
2001, which emphasizes return on capital employed and economic profit
growth.