Avnet Technology Solutions appoints William Chu as Asia Pacific president

Chu brings with him more than 21 years experience in the IT industry.

Avnet Technology Solutions named William Chu president of its Avnet Technology Solutions, Asia Pacific, operations. Chu will be responsible for the strategic direction and profitable growth of Avnet’s value-added IT solutions distribution business in the region, which encompasses Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India and the ASEAN countries. Chu will succeed KP Tang, who will assist with the leadership transition before retiring on December 30, 2011. Chu will report to Phil Gallagher, president, Avnet Technology Solutions, Global.

Chu has more than 21 years experience in the IT industry. He joined Avnet in 2007 with its acquisition of Azure Technologies, an IBM systems distributor in Malaysia and Singapore. He was named vice president and general manager of Avnet Technology Solutions, ASEAN, in 2007, overseeing the company’s expansion into Indonesia and Vietnam. In 2008, he won the Avnet Employee Engagement Champion award for receiving the highest engagement index in Asia, and in 2009 he won the prestigious Avnet Chairman’s Award. Under Chu’s tenure, Avnet Technology Solutions, ASEAN’s revenue has increased 400 percent.

“Today, Avnet Technology Solutions provides the broadest global reach among IT solutions distributors. We have grown significantly in Asia Pacific, reaching $1.5 billion in revenue in just over a decade,” said Gallagher. “With his business acumen, knowledge of the IT industry and proven ability to grow organizations profitably in emerging markets, Chu has the experience and vision to lead Avnet Technology Solutions, Asia Pacific, as we continue to invest in the region in support of our suppliers, partners and customers.”

Prior to joining Azure, Chu worked for IBM Singapore Pte. Ltd. as a regional project manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the National University of Singapore and a Master of Business Administration in accounting from Nanyang Technological University. He will continue to reside in Singapore.

In his six-year tenure as regional president, Tang played a central role in Avnet Technology Solutions’ expansion into China, India and the ASEAN countries, and he was instrumental in broadening the regional linecard to include products and services from the world’s foremost technology suppliers.

“There is tremendous opportunity for growth in Asia Pacific, and the foundation we have built in the region as a value-added IT solutions distributor will serve Avnet well,” said Tang. “As a member of my staff, Chu provided insightful counsel and proved himself an astute business leader. With a strong record of financial performance, relationship building and team success, he is the right person to lead the organization to even greater success and prosperity in the future.”