October 06, 2008 06:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

Avnet General Counsel David Birk Recognized as One of Arizona’s “Most Influential” by Arizona Business Magazine

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) General Counsel and Senior Vice President David Birk has been recognized as one of Arizona’s “most influential” attorneys by Arizona Business Magazine. Birk was awarded the publication’s annual “Center of Influence” Award, highlighting the critical role lawyers, accountants and bankers play in helping businesses run efficiently.

“The individuals receiving these awards have made a significant contribution to both their profession and their organizations,” said Janet Perez, editor-in-chief, Arizona Business Magazine. “David Birk and the other recipients have helped raise the bar in establishing attorneys as significant contributors to business success.”

Birk started his career with Avnet in 1980, became chief legal officer in 1989, and was named a corporate senior vice president in 1992. He leads a global legal team of 47 and was the principal architect of Avnet's shared business services approach to leveraging scale and scope for internal support services, adopted by the company in 2001. From 2003 to 2005 he lived in Belgium and worked from Avnet's European regional headquarters, where he introduced shared business services principles and processes to Avnet's European organizations.

“David has been instrumental in leading Avnet’s corporate ethics training globally,” added Roy Vallee, Avnet chairman and CEO. “His ability to demonstrate how integrity in business is not only the right thing to do, but also drives business value has made a significant contribution to our organization.”

Prior to joining Avnet, Birk was a partner in the law firm of Burstein & Marcus in White Plains, New York, and an associate attorney in the firm of Jacobs Persinger & Parker in New York City. He holds a B.A. degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Cornell Law School. He is also an active volunteer and supporter of the American Field Service international student exchange program.

About Avnet

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers in more than 70 countries worldwide. Avnet accelerates its partners’ success by connecting the world’s leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers and by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2008, Avnet generated revenue of $17.95 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.