Sukh Rayat replaces John Toal as Avnet UK leader

Former Bell man departs after two years at the top to "pursue other career opportunities"

Avnet Technology Solutions' UK and Ireland boss John Toal is exiting the company after two years in the UK hot seat.

He is to be replaced by long-serving Avnet exec Sukh Rayat (pictured, left), who has been with the distributor for 13 years and held a variety of senior roles, including sales chief for the EMEA region. According to a press release issued today, Toal "has decided to pursue other career opportunities".

He leaves the Avnet fold after two years, having joined the company through its 2010 buyout of rival Bell Micro.

Graeme Watt, another Bell alumnus and now EMEA president of Avnet TS, said: "I would like to thank John (pictured, right) for everything he has contributed over the past eight years he and I have worked together.

"Looking ahead, the importance of performance in the UK market cannot be understated; it is the second-largest market in the Avnet Technology Solutions' global network and the largest in TS EMEA. With many new developments taking place, it is an extremely exciting time for Avnet TS as we continue to forge ahead with our strategy of delivering high-value, profitable solutions and services to our customers.

"I am pleased to welcome Sukh into his new role. He has the right skills to achieve our ambitious growth targets for the UK and Ireland."