Avnet Inc. said that Rick Hamada, who has served as the distributor's chief operating officer for the past four years, will take on additional duties as president, effective immediately.

Hamada, who will continue to report to Roy Vallee, Avnet chairman and chief executive, is charged with overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the company's operating groups and support organizations.

Hamada has been with Avnet since 1983, when he joined the company as a technical specialist. He was first elected a corporate officer 10 years ago.