Magirus CEO Fabian von Kuenheim has announced his departure from Avnet Technology Solutions (NYSE: AVT) six months after the distributor’s acquisition by Avnet, Inc. last October.
Avnet says von Kuenheim played a key role in the initial integration of the Magirus Group, and in addition to pursuing “new entrepreneurial challenges” elsewhere, the exec will continue to provide advisory support to Avnet until September 2013.
“The Magirus integration is going to plan and we are making good progress on realising the short- and long-term goals we have set ourselves as we bring together the two companies,” explains Graeme Watt, president of Avnet Technology Solutions, EMEA.
“I would like to place on record my thanks and gratitude to Fabian von Kuenheim for everything he has contributed in the short time we have worked together, and I wish him every success in the future.”
“For more than 10 years, I have had the pleasure of knowing Fabian von Kuenheim as an astute businessman, valued industry colleague and personal friend long before his formal inclusion into our Avnet team,” says CEO of Avnet, Inc., Rick Hamada, in a statement.
“Over his long years at the helm of Magirus he always maintained the company’s position to be in touch with the pulse of the market, and he actively promoted a proud culture and philosophy around the vision of being a truly innovative service provider. I wish to thank him in particular for the successful transition of the Magirus Group into our EMEA business in the period since October 2012. His lasting contributions will ensure that this excellent foundation of the Magirus Group will continue to impact our industry as part of the bright future for Avnet Technology Solutions.”
Says von Kuenheim: “On 31 March 2013, to the day, it was 25 years since I dedicated myself to the successful development and leadership of Magirus. This was only possible due to the huge support of those within the company in tandem with our customers, partners, vendors and shareholders.
“My special thanks go to our brilliant employees, all of whom created and embodied our culture, team spirit, ingenuity and understanding of the different nuances of the EMEA market. I look back with pride on what has been created at Magirus, which is now entering a new, successful phase in its development as part of Avnet.”
