Distribution Watch: Avnet, Tech Data, Ingram Micro

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Distribution Watch. This week we've got the latest news from Avnet (AVT), Ingram Micro (IM) and Tech Data (TECD).

Avnet: Avnet has named Steve Gomez as senior vice president of sales, Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas, the company announced on Tuesday. He will be responsible for components sales and related strategies in the Americas and will report to Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas President Chuck Delph.

Gomez formerly served as vice president and area director of the West and Latin America areas for the distributor prior to his promotion. He has served in various roles in the IT industry with companies including Motorola, IDT and Texas Instruments throughout his career.

“Today more than ever, customers look to Avnet for a combination of technical expertise, collaboration and the best solutions for their unique needs – and Steve brings that perspective to the equation,” said Delph, in a statement. “He is a proven leader, and I look forward to seeing his talent put to work on behalf of our supplier and customer community, as well as the Americas organization.”

Tech Data: Tech Data will now offer unlocked versions of several Samsung smartphones thanks to a new agreement announced on Wednesday. Tech Data customers in the United States can purchase annual licenses for Samsung KNOX-enabled smartphones and tablets via the distributor’s Mobile Solutions and Retail division.

The unlocked Samsung devices currently available through Tech Data include the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge as well as the Galaxy J3 and Galaxy S6.

"When we think about enterprise mobile solutions, strength of security and freedom of choice is always a concern," said Patrick Stokes, senior vice president, Mobile Solutions & Retail at Tech Data. "Samsung KNOX was built with the enterprise business in mind. Paired with the unlocked smartphone, this allows us to give more customers access to Samsung's Galaxy of experiences—along with a leading security offering—from a well-established channel partner."

Ingram Micro: Ingram Micro Asia is now authorized to sell AirBar devices from Neonode Inc., (NEON) a company specializing in optical interactive sensing technology. Neonode’s AirBar devices allow users to add touch and gesture sensing functionality to PCs, according to the announcement.

Ingram Micro will distribute Neonode’s AirBar devices in 12 countries in APAC, including Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and Hong Kong, according to the announcement.

“Ingram Micro Asia plays a key part in our global expansion plans. Dealing with the leading global technology distributor means Neonode can focus on running a streamlined business, yet have access to numerous markets that have been demanding AirBar,” said Remo Behdasht, senior vice president of AirBar Devices at Neonode Inc. “Ingram Micro’s enthusiasm and cooperation in bringing AirBar to Asia further solidifies our global relationship setting the stage for many more products to come under the AirBar brand.”