Arrow Electronics, No. 1 on MDM’s list of Top Electronics Distributors, has named William “Bill” Austen, a member of Arrow’s Board of Directors, Interim President and CEO.

Austen succeeds Sean Kerins, who left his roles as Director, President and CEO of the company on Sept. 16. Kerins will provide continued assistance to the company to support transition efforts. His separation is unrelated to Arrow’s financial statements, company officials said.

Austen has served as a Director since May 2020. He will continue to serve as a Director on Arrow’s Board of Directors, though he has stepped down as Chair of the board’s corporate governance committee and as a member of the compensation committee. The board is launching a search for a permanent President and CEO.

Previously, Austen served as President, CEO and Director of Bemis Co., a global manufacturer of flexible packaging products and pressure-sensitive materials, and prior to that as Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer for Bemis. He also previously served on the Board of Directors of Tenant Co. and Arconic Corp.

Independent Board Chair Steven Gunby said: “We have full confidence in the ability of the current leadership team, with Bill Austen’s support, to lead Arrow during this period of transition, and appreciate Bill’s willingness to step into this role.”