Distribution Executives Discuss Their Exits, Futures

McDermott plans to step down on May 30 from Avnet, after more than two decades in the business. She was CEO of Access Distribution when the Sun Microsystems-focused distributor was sold by GE to Avnet in 2006.

Why did you decide to step down from Avnet?

I'm just looking at look at my personal development, my own personal growth. I had to evaluate what was the best way to accomplish that. I don't think I've reached my personal best yet. As for what kind of environment, I'd kind of like to be the leader. Avnet is a very large organization it and would be hard for me to do that.

I've been in this business for 22 years. There are mllions of industries out there. I'm going to take the opportunity to look around for something that may meet my lifestyle a little bit. I don't want something that requires extensive travel. I want the opportunity to keep challenging myself. I want to find a way to give back more to the community.

Is there anything specifc you are looking for?

I've got a couple careers left in me. I want to get on with what else is out there, to see if I can be good at something else. I will take a few months off. It will be the first summer of my life without a job or kids or both. I'll do a lot of reading. At this point, nothing's out and nothing's in. I'm not looking to be in high-tech. Nor is it necessarily out. The problem, once youv'e been in the high-tech industry, it's fast-paced and it sort of spoils you for a lot of other things. I have a lot of energy, I like change, that's why I've been able to have so much fun. A lot of industries won't meet that.

What are you working on at Avnet before you leave?

There's a lot of things I'm working on. I'm working on the strategic long-range plan, and to transition some things I've been doing, to get across how I approached some of the initiatives, those things I've worked on.

What would you like to say to all the solution providers and partners that you've worked with over the last 20 years?

It is certainly with mixed emotions that I am leaving an experience and relationships that I have spent so many years cultivating. The rich relationships I have had with our customers, vendors and employees cannot be replaced.

I do believe that going forward the people I've worked with at Avnet, and at Access before that, share the same energy and passion for the business. There are many new opportunities being presented in the market for our partners and with the dedicated and knowledgeable people at Avnet I expect continued success in the partnerships that have been built.

What else might you be looking for in your next step?

I don't want to relocate. Everything I love is in Colorado. I haven't been looking at anything externally. I've been focused on my role within Avnet while evaluating what I want to do. I haven't opened myself up to much yet. This is purely a personal decision. At this particular time in my life, my priorities are right now. It doesn't have anything to do with Avent. It's really about me. I've had 22 years this game. I want to see what else I can do.