Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1172746
10 SMT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2019 Feature Interview by the I-Connect007 Editorial Team The I-Connect007 editorial team recently spoke with Chris Beeson, executive vice presi- dent of global supplier and new business devel- opment at Digi-Key Electronics, about trends and the changing landscape of the industry. Beeson describes how Digi-Key is looking to continue growing its user community as a design service provider while providing greater services for the entire PCB. Barry Matties: Chris, can you give us a little background of who you are and what you do? Chris Beeson: Sure. I've been in the industry since '82, and I've been with Digi-Key since 2005. I'm the executive vice president of global supplier and new business development at Digi-Key Electronics. For my first 13 years, I had more of a sales role within Digi-Key, along with some other functions. But today, I'm focused on the supplier initiative and new business development. We're working diligently to make sure that we're aligned with where the industry's going and where Digi-Key needs to be positioned to support the industry. The company continues to prosper. When I joined in 2005, we were a $500 million company. Last year, it was a little over three billion without acquisition. A lot of good things have happened. Matties: To what do you attribute all of that growth? Beeson: Our dedicated staff is trying to focus in on business readiness, meaning what we need to do to be relevant and have the appro- priate global positioning for our business to prosper. This mindset has aided us in the past and will continue to moving forward as to how we look at the opportunities. As a regional, U.S.-based company for many years, becom- ing more global was very important. Of course, our global focus on supporting innovation and the use of technology has aided our growth as well. Nolan Johnson: What are some of the dynamics that you're seeing right now? Digi-Key on Adapting to the Changing Industry Landscape, Part 1 Chris Beeson