BMA Phoenix - How to Develop a C-Suite Partnership

Forming a C-suite Partnership
August 21, 2008
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa - Terrace Room
2400 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016

by Al Maag, Chief Communications Officer, Avnet, Inc.

Does your CEO get it? Working on communications inside of the C-suite has its rewards – and its challenges. Join Al Maag, Chief Communications Officer of Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT), as he describes how he partners with the CEO, senior executives and employees of this global distributor of value-added electronic components and computer products. Come see how one person introduced the Chief Communications Officer role to a company. And hear how he has advanced communications into a vital role that helped Avnet grow from $6 billion in North America to over $18 billion with over 300 locations in 73 countries. Of its over 13,000 employees worldwide, approximately 2300 Avnet employees are based in Arizona.

Through entertaining video, slides and real-life examples, Mr. Maag will share how outstanding employee engagement metrics, industry leading PR market share and community relations start in the C-suite. You will learn his tips on what has worked and hopes a few might work for you in your careers.

About Al Maag

Allen Maag joined Avnet as chief communications officer in September 1998 and is responsible for brand management, which includes global public relations, investor relations marketing, community relations and corporate communications.

Vice President, Avnet, Inc.; Chief Communications Officer, Avnet, Inc.

He reports to Steve Church, chief human resources development officer and is also a member of Avnet's Executive Board. He was elected a corporate officer in 1999.

Prior to joining Avnet, Mr. Maag was principal and owner of an international marketing communications and consulting firm in Chicago, where he specialized in public relations, advertising and communications. His clients included technology firms, distributors, manufacturers, associations and publishers.

Mr. Maag was also director of advertising and communications for Molex, vice president of Hamilton/Avnet and director of strategic planning at Cahners Publishing (now Reed Business).

In 2002 he was recognized by Upside magazine, and in 2003 and in 2007 by PR Week magazine, and listed among the most effective public relations executives by both publications.

He currently serves as an ambassador on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and as a national board member of the Business Marketing Association. He is involved with the marketing committees of the Arizona Technology Council. Additionally, he is a member of the Phoenix Sports Commission. Mr. Maag formed and actively manages the 18-year-old Maag Toy Foundation, a 501(C)(3) charitable organization that collects new toys for needy children.

A graduate of the University of Illinois (Chicago Circle Campus), he holds a BA in Communications.

Mr. Maag is the founder of the 16" Softball Hall of Fame, based in Chicago, and in January 2004 was inducted into the Hall for his organizational efforts on its behalf. He is also an avid Chicago Cubs fan.