Appointment of former IPL and Volante executive reflects Avnet’s continued growth and market approach to Networking and Security Solutions

Sydney, Australia, May  2nd, 2008 -- Avnet Technology Solutions, a value-added distributor of enterprise computing products, software and services, and an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) today announced they have appointed Shayne Taylor to head up their Networking and Security Division as Business Unit Executive. Taylor reports directly to Gavin Lawless, General Manager, Avnet Technology Solutions, Australia.

Shayne Taylor, previously General Manager Australia, IPL Communications, is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership and overall management of Avnet’s new Networking and Security division formally known as ChannelWorx. The scope of his role includes driving sales, technical, marketing, logistics and finance functions for the new division.   He will also be a member of the local management team.

"Taylor is a proven, results-oriented winner in the solutions distribution space and we're glad to have him join our team," said Avnet’s General Manager, Gavin Lawless. "It's a great accolade for us that someone with his industry reputation and wealth of more than 20 years experience in the Australian IT environment joins Avnet. I have no doubt that Taylor will be a valuable asset in continuing to drive our momentum in the marketplace."

"With Avnet's 'Solutions Distribution' approach and dramatic growth in the Australian market, it's an exciting time to join this executive team," said Shayne Taylor. "Avnet has already established a strong position when it comes to solutions distribution, and with their recent acquisition of ChannelWorx, they have signaled to the market just how serious they are about Networking and Security. I look forward to leveraging Avnet's strong portfolio and strategic vision to build upon their current success."

In his previous role at IPL, Shayne Taylor was instrumental in driving the definition and execution of their Voice systems and VOIP strategy.  Taylor holds an Associate Diploma in Civil Engineering (Distinction) from the Queensland University of Technology and was a Lecturer – Queensland University of Technology – 1990 to 1992 – in Computer Aided Design.

The appointment of Taylor is the result of former Managing Director of ChannelWorx, Paul Oxley choosing this time to leave Avnet.  “Paul’s decision to leave Avnet comes as he has successfully guided Avnet through the integration process and now takes a well earned break.  I thank Paul for all the hard work that he has put into making the integration such a success, it is easy to see why he is a respected figure in the industry, commented Lawless.

About Avnet Technology Solutions
Avnet Technology Solutions is an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) representing US$6 billion in annual revenue for fiscal year 2007, with locations in more than 30 countries. As a global technology sales and marketing organization, Avnet Technology Solutions has sales divisions focused on specific customer segments and a select line card strategy enabling an exceptional level of attention to the needs of its customers and suppliers. Visit www.ats.avnet.com.

About Avnet
With more than 300 locations serving customers in 70-plus countries worldwide, Avnet markets, distributes and adds value to the products of the world's leading electronic component suppliers, enterprise computer manufacturers and embedded subsystem providers. Additionally, Avnet brings a breadth and depth of service capabilities, such as supply-chain optimization, logistics solutions, product assembly, device programming, computer system integration and engineering design assistance. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, Avnet generated revenue of $15.68 billion. Visit www.avnet.com/.

Media Contact:
Michael Costigan
Marketing Director
Michale.costigan@avnet.com
0408651467
02 8877 0751
www.ats.avnet.com.au