Smith names Tony Chavez vice president of global security

Smith has appointed Tony Chavez as vice president of global security to strengthen protection for employees, assets, intellectual property and its supply chain ecosystem. The move comes as the Houston-based distributor expands its security procedures, employee training and risk monitoring across a global network.

Why it matters: - Smith is adding dedicated leadership to protect its supply chain, facilities and intellectual property as physical and cyber threats grow more complex. - The role is designed to support business continuity and customer confidence across Smith’s global distribution network.

What happened: - Smith appointed Tony Chavez as vice president of global security on July 16, 2026. - Chavez will oversee efforts to protect Smith employees, assets and intellectual property. - The appointment was announced by Smith, a global distributor of electronic components and semiconductors based in Houston.

The details: - Chavez will reinforce Smith’s existing security infrastructure and develop procedures to identify and reduce risks, threats and vulnerabilities across the company’s supply chain ecosystem. - Chavez brings 19 years of experience in risk management. - Smith said the global security team will monitor, investigate and mitigate threats ranging from cybersecurity bad actors to natural disasters. - The company will expand security training for employees to align with certifications including CTPAT and TAPA. - Chavez will conduct regular evaluations of Smith’s security framework and update it to match future growth plans. - Smith said the security function will also support supply chain resiliency efforts worldwide. - Smith was founded in 1984 and describes itself as the leading independent distributor of electronic components. - Smith says its Intelligent Distribution model helps source, manage, test and ship billions of components to partners worldwide. - The company says it has more than 25 certifications and accreditations. - Smith reported more than $3.4 billion in global revenue in 2025 and said it ranked ninth among global distributors. - More information is available on Smith’s website.

Between the lines: - The hire signals that Smith is treating security as an operational issue, not just a compliance task. - The emphasis on certifications, training and framework reviews suggests the company is preparing for tighter controls as its footprint and customer base grow.

What's next: - Chavez is expected to lead ongoing security reviews, employee training and threat monitoring. - Smith will likely keep updating its security program as it expands globally and faces evolving risk conditions.

The bottom line: - Smith is putting a seasoned risk-management executive in charge of global security to help protect its network, people and customers.