Avnet Appoints James A. Lawrence to Its Board of Directors

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) announced today that James A. Lawrence, chief executive officer of Rothschild North America and co-head of global investment banking, has been appointed to the company's board of directors effective May 12, 2011. Mr. Lawrence previously served on Avnet's board from 1998 to 2008 and resigned due to a change in employment that required his relocation to Europe.

Mr. Lawrence's reappointment brings the total number of Avnet directors to 11, nine of whom are independent outside directors. He will serve on both the compensation and finance committees.