Memec Appoints New Chief Financial Officer and Group Vice President

High Tech Industry Veteran Joins Global Specialist Semiconductor Distributor

SAN DIEGO, July 26, 2002 -- The Memec Group, a global specialist semiconductor distributor, today announced the appointment of James Wall to chief financial officer and group vice president. Wall reports to David Ashworth, president and CEO of The Memec Group, and is based at Memec's corporate headquarters in San Diego.

In this position, Wall will be responsible for all global finance operations, including financial reporting, tax and treasury for Memec and its daughter companies Impact, Insight and Unique. Wall will also join The Memec Group Executive Board of Management.

With over thirty years in financial management, Wall brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Memec. Most recently, Wall served as chief financial officer for Metricom, a $1.3 billion asset wireless data carrier, where he oversaw the company's controllers, treasury, investment management, investor relations, customer care and corporate operations. Prior to his appointment with Metricom, Wall held the position of treasurer and controller for AirTouch Communications, a $8 billion revenue, 15,000 employee NYSE company that was acquired by Vodafone for $70 billion.

According to Ashworth, "Memec's global strategies and operations necessitate a chief financial officer with an extensive background in international business, an area where Jim especially excels. Furthermore, as Memec transitions from a privately held company, Jim's expertise in the public market will undoubtedly contribute to Memec's success," Ashworth added.

In addition to earning a master's in business administration (M.B.A.) degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor's of science (B.S.) degree in International Marketing, Wall did his doctoral work in Accounting, Finance and Management. He has also completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard University Graduate School of Business and is a certified public accountant (CPA) in the state of California.

About The Memec Group

The Memec Group encompasses three specialist semiconductor distribution companies, Impact, Insight and Unique. Each company focuses on a finite number of supplier partners, thus enabling superior product knowledge and unparalleled demand creation capabilities. Although Memec companies operate independently, they all rely on Memec United, the global logistics and EMS services division, and Memec Design, the design and engineering division, to offer original equipment manufacturers complete semiconductor solutions. Located throughout 42 countries, The Memec Group companies collectively represent over 200 developers and manufacturers of advanced semiconductors and intellectual property. With recent start-ups and acquisitions in Japan and Eastern Europe, Memec continues to expand its presence to emerging key areas of the global semiconductor market. Go to www.memec.com for more information.

Editorial Contact:

Nora Kenney, 858-450-8896; nora_kenney@mei.memec.com

Photograph of James Wall available upon request.

 

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