ChBE alum is CEO of Phoenix-based Avnet
Fortune magazine has named Avnet among the “World’s Most Admired Companies” for 2019. This marks the 14th time the global technology solutions provider, led by Lehigh alum Bill Amelio '79, has been recognized by Fortune for its strong reputation. Based on a survey of executives, directors and analysts, Avnet ranks among the most admired companies in the category of “Wholesalers: Electronics and Office Equipment.”
 
Amelio, a chemical and biomolecular engineering graduate, was appointed as Avnet's chief executive officer in 2016.
 
“Our core values inspire us to evolve, transform and deliver innovative technology solutions that enable companies around the world to succeed,” says Amelio. “This recognition honors our employees and the unique technology ecosystem Avnet provides for our customers that helps them bring new innovations to market faster, easier and at a lower cost."
 
Avnet has also been recognized as one of the 2019 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.
 
“We are honored to be named one of the world’s most ethical companies by Ethisphere Institute for the sixth consecutive year,” says Amelio. “At Avnet, we are committed to building a purpose-driven business model and culture that achieves our goals while supporting the most pressing social, ethical and environmental causes."
 
Amelio’s experience includes serving as chief executive officer and president of CHC Group LTD, a global helicopter services provider; president and chief executive officer of Lenovo Group Limited; senior vice president/president for the Asia-Pacific/Japan region of Dell; and leadership roles at NCR Corporation, Honeywell International, and IBM Corporation. Amelio also previously served on the Board of Directors of National Semiconductor. 
 
He holds a master’s degree in management and is a Sloan Fellow of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. 
 
Amelio and his wife, Jamie, have a personal passion for philanthropy. The nonprofit they founded in 2003, Caring for Cambodia, helps ensure high-quality education for 6,600 children in Siem Reap, Cambodia, by training teachers, providing clean and child-friendly classrooms, and ensuring the essentials for health and welfare.

 

William J. Amelio

ChBE alum William Amelio '79 is CEO of Avnet, which has been recognized in 2019 as one of the "World's Most Admired Companies” and "World's Most Ethical Companies." (Photo courtesy of Avnet, Inc.)