In a move that its says will strengthen its North American consumer electronics operations Ingram Micro is integrating the AVAD custom installation and home automation unit into a larger division that includes DBL Distributing.
While the AVAD name and operating structure will be retained, the unit will now be organized under the Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Division, allowing AVAD and DBL Distributing to leverage best practices, market expertise, and common processes, the company explained.
Ingram Micro says that customers and vendors will benefit from the larger organization’s more efficient infrastructure and broader product portfolio. AVAD customers will have access to products and services currently offered by DBL Distributing and the core IT distribution business, while vendors will be able to expand their reach to new customer segments and capitalize on cross-sell opportunities.
John Soumbasakis, senior vice president, strategic divisions, Ingram Micro North America, will continue to lead the division, with the general managers of AVAD and DBL reporting to him.
Ingram Micro, an IT product-centric distribution company acquired the consumer electronics and custom installation -oriented AVAD in 2005.
Coakley’s Role Expanded
In conjunction with the transition, Tim Coakley will lead vendor management and marketing for the overall Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Division. Coakley, who has more than 20 years of experience in the consumer electronics and retail industries, is expanding his role after managing these functions for DBL Distributing.
“I look forward to Tim’s leadership as we work closely together to pursue new growth opportunities,” said Jim Annes, AVAD’s general manager. “The integration with the Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Division will open many new possibilities for vendors and customers, who will now have access to a wide variety of products and services, such as digital signage, accessories, additional security and information technology. We’re excited about these changes and the opportunities presented by bringing AVAD under the divisional umbrella”
Five AVAD Branches are Closed
Annes added that AVAD is currently searching for a national sales leader to enhance its sales efforts and is consolidating five small branches in Oregon, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Utah. Customers of these branches will be served by the remaining 23 branches throughout the United States and Canada.
“With this change, we become the distributor with the broadest consumer electronics and home automation portfolio in the United States and Canada,” Soumbasakis said. “The Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Division is the only distributor to bridge the gap between CE and home controls. We’re confident that our CE business is a long-term strategic differentiator and growth opportunity. Mobility, connectivity and convergence are all driving innovation and spending in the CE market, and Ingram Micro is now better positioned than ever to capitalize on those market trends.”
