In mid-2000, Stephen P. Kaufman stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Arrow, while retaining his position as Chairman of the Board. During the 14 years he served as CEO, Steve provided the inventive leadership and bold strategic vision that transformed Arrow from a $500 million national distributor to the $13 billion global leader of the electronics distribution industry. Under his dynamic stewardship, Arrow Electronics achieved sharply heightened levels of professionalism and productivity while acquiring 59 companies in 39 countries and increasing its market capitalization one hundred-fold.

“In a few short years we will be a billion dollar company. That means we will have to re-examine and change every aspect of how we do business and how we manage ourselves. Everything will have to be re-thought and re-taught. The only constant will be change itself, and, of course, our values and integrity.” (April 1983)

“Over the past decade our suppliers have become global, and our major customers have become global. Thus, in spite of the current industry downturn, today’s announcement of our acquisition of a European distributor signals that we have again broadened our vision and horizons and are taking the initial steps to transform Arrow into the industry’s first, truly global electronic components distributor.” (June 1985)

“Having achieved sales of $2 billion last year – our next goal is not $5 billion. No, the next challenge for a $2 billion company is $10 billion. By the year 2000, Arrow Electronics will be a $10 billion company.” (March 1994)

“We are going to create a new way of doing business for electronic components distribution; we will write the new playbook for the future of the industry. This is, of course, the Arrow way. This is our heritage. This is our strength.” (October 1997)