Phil Gallagher

Rising to CEO after a four-decade career in one company is a rarity, but that’s the path Phil Gallagher took to his leadership position with Avnet, Inc.

Avnet is a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, serving customer needs from idea to design and from prototype to production. The company has more than 100 years of experience solving complex technological challenges and adapting through waves of change.

From its origins on Radio Row, the Manhattan warehouse district famous for its post-World War I electronics shops, to its current position as a global distributor, Avnet has spent the last century navigating the complex technology landscape and helping its customers do the same.

After 39 years with the company, Gallagher was named CEO of Avnet as the company entered its 100th year in business. Gallagher started his long and successful career with Avnet in 1982, and along the way has held key executive leadership positions in sales, marketing and operations. He served as president of Avnet Electronic Marketing Americas from 2004 to 2009 and as global president of Avnet Technology Solutions from 2009 to 2014. Gallagher was named CEO in 2020, and under his leadership the company’s sales have increased 27.4% year-overyear, and its stock price has increased 17%.

“Since coming in as CEO, Phil has proven himself even more as he led the company through its monumental centennial year,” Gallagher’s team said. “His leadership is renowned and recognized both within the distribution industry and the broader business world. Now, Avnet, its customers and its partners turn to Phil with an eye towards the future, and aptly await what is to come.”

Gallagher serves on the Arizona Commerce Authority Board of Directors and the Advisory Board of Women in Electronics. He is also a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. In 2020, he was recognized as one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s Most Admired Leaders, and in 2021 he was honored with the AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award at the Arizona Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards Ceremony.

“I want to continue to be involved in the community and helping Arizona continue to grow and prosper,” Gallagher said. “Currently, I serve on the GPL (Greater Phoenix Leadership) as well the ACA (Arizona Commerce Authority), and it has been great to be involved and, as a corporate citizen, help where we can. Avnet, Inc.’s board wants to be sure Avnet has a clear presence in Arizona.”