Avnet Strengthens Board of Directors with Tech Finance and Semiconductor Expertise

Avnet has expanded its Board of Directors with two industry veterans whose backgrounds span decades of leadership in finance and the semiconductor sector. Virginia “Ginnie” Henkels and Helmut Gassel have taken up their positions immediately, both joining the company’s Audit Committee.

Financial Leadership Joins the Board

Henkels brings substantial credentials in corporate finance and accounting. Her career spans 34 years working with major corporations including Swift Transportation and Honeywell International. Most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer at Empowerment & Inclusion Capital I Corp. from 2020 through 2023. Prior to that, she spent nine years (2008-2017) as CFO at Swift Transportation, overseeing financial operations during diverse market conditions.

Her board experience extends to LCI Industries and Viad Corporation, where she has served since 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Arizona State University.

“Ginnie has demonstrated consistent excellence in financial stewardship and brings deep expertise in accounting leadership,” noted Rodney C. Adkins, Chair of Avnet’s Board. “Her perspective will strengthen our approach to maintaining fiscal discipline as we navigate various economic environments.”

Semiconductor Industry Veteran Joins Executive Oversight

Gassel’s career encompasses nearly three decades within the semiconductor space. He currently serves on the board of Nordic Semiconductor and co-founded Silian Partners, a consulting collective of senior industry figures. His tenure at Infineon Technologies involved progressive roles, including serving as Chief Marketing Officer and Management Board member from 2016 to 2022, as well as Division President from 2008 to 2016.

“Helmut’s deep knowledge of semiconductor market dynamics, technology evolution, and supply chain relationships provides invaluable insight,” Adkins stated. “The Board welcomes the addition of an executive with his level of industry experience and strategic perspective.”

Gassel holds a Diploma in Nuclear Physics from Ruhr University Bochum and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Duisburg-Essen.

About Avnet

For over 100 years, Avnet has functioned as a key global technology distributor and solutions partner. The company supports customers throughout every phase of product development—from conception and design through prototyping and large-scale manufacturing. By operating at the nexus of the technology ecosystem, Avnet enables faster progression through design and supply phases, allowing customers to accelerate revenue generation. The company continues to help technology partners worldwide unlock new possibilities through innovation and strategic distribution.