Arrow Electronics
A global distributor of electronic components, enterprise computing products, and related value-added supply-chain services.
Last updated October 14, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.
Overview
Arrow Electronics is a United States-based global distributor serving manufacturers, technology resellers, managed service providers, contract manufacturers, and other commercial customers. Its business is organized around two broad activities: distributing electronic components and providing enterprise computing solutions. Rather than primarily selling finished consumer products, Arrow operates as an intermediary and technical-services partner within the technology supply chain, connecting component manufacturers and computing vendors with organizations that design, build, integrate, resell, or operate technology systems. The company traces its origins to Arrow Radio, a retail store opened by Maurice "Murray" Goldberg in 1935 on Cortlandt Street in lower Manhattan's Radio Row. The store initially sold used radios and radio parts, later adding new radios, home-entertainment products, surplus parts, and manufacturer-franchised components. Arrow was incorporated under the Arrow Electronics name in 1946. During the 1950s it began developing a field-sales organization and selling parts to industrial customers, gradually shifting away from its original retail orientation. Arrow became a public company in 1961 and expanded its industrial distribution footprint during the following decade. Semiconductor franchises, including a significant relationship with Texas Instruments beginning in 1970, helped the company grow rapidly. Arrow opened sales offices across the United States, introduced an integrated real-time computer system for inventory and order management, discontinued its retail operations, and acquired Cramer Electronics in 1979. That transaction gave Arrow a stronger presence in western U.S. markets and marked the beginning of a long-running consolidation strategy in electronics distribution. The company expanded substantially under executives including John C. Waddell and Stephen P. Kaufman. Through acquisitions, Arrow built a multinational components-distribution network and entered the distribution of commercial computer products. Its acquisition program included businesses associated with Kierulff, Schweber, Wyle, Spoerle, Silverstar, and CAL, among others. Arrow also expanded into Europe and the Asia-Pacific region and formed the Marubun/Arrow joint venture with Japan's Marubun Corporation in 1998 to support operations in Asia and North America. During the 2000s and 2010s, Arrow continued to broaden its portfolio. The company combined component distribution with enterprise computing solutions, supporting storage, networking, data-center, cloud, security, and related infrastructure ecosystems. Under William E. Mitchell and later Michael J. Long, Arrow pursued acquisitions and operational expansion across both major business segments. It also developed an electronics-media and technical-information presence through the acquisition of United Technical Publishing in 2015 and an agreement in 2016 to acquire an electronics media portfolio from UBM, including publications and digital properties such as EE Times, EDN, ESM, Embedded, EBN, TechOnline, and Datasheets.com. Arrow's role has also extended into engineering enablement, design support, logistics, inventory management, supply-chain planning, integration, and channel services. Its customers may use the company for access to manufacturers and components, technical expertise, procurement support, fulfillment, configuration, or deployment assistance. This positioning makes Arrow a business-to-business infrastructure brand whose visibility is often greater among engineers, procurement teams, original equipment manufacturers, resellers, and enterprise-technology professionals than among general consumers. The company relocated its headquarters from New York State to Centennial, Colorado, in 2011. In June 2022, Sean J. Kerins became president and chief executive officer after Michael J. Long's long tenure. Reference material states that Kerins separated from the company in September 2025; a successor is not identified in the supplied material. Arrow remains a publicly traded technology distributor with global operations, a major presence in electronic components and enterprise computing, and long-standing sponsorship and marketing relationships in engineering education and motorsport.
History
Arrow Electronics began in 1935 as Arrow Radio, a Manhattan retail shop founded by Maurice "Murray" Goldberg on Cortlandt Street in the Radio Row district. The store sold used radios and radio parts, then expanded into new radios from manufacturers such as RCA, GE, and Philco, as well as surplus components. By obtaining manufacturer franchises, including those from RCA and Cornell Dubilier, Arrow developed an early bridge between component makers and customers. The company adopted the Arrow Electronics name when it was incorporated in 1946. In the early 1950s, Arrow established a small field-sales organization and began serving industrial customers. A Mineola, Long Island, storefront and sales office opened in 1956. When the company went public in 1961, industrial sales represented more than half of its business, reflecting the transition from retail electronics toward professional component distribution. During the 1960s, Arrow moved its headquarters to Farmingdale, New York, and opened branches in Connecticut and New Jersey. A private investor group led by Glenn, Green & Waddell acquired a controlling interest in 1968. The group viewed the fragmented distribution industry as suitable for consolidation, and B. Duke Glenn Jr. became chairman. During the 1970s, Arrow won important semiconductor franchises, including Texas Instruments in 1970, and opened sales offices in more than 20 U.S. cities. It also created an integrated real-time computer system for inventory visibility and remote order entry. The company exited retail operations and concentrated on industrial electronics distribution. Its 1969 acquisition of Schuylkill Metals provided additional growth capital, although the metals business was later sold in 1987 amid environmental issues connected with a Superfund site. Arrow was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1979 and acquired Cramer Electronics the same year. The 1980 Stouffer's Inn fire killed 13 members of Arrow's senior management, including Glenn and Roger Green. John Waddell assumed leadership and recruited Stephen P. Kaufman in 1982. Kaufman became chief executive officer in 1986 and chairman in 1994, leading a long period of domestic consolidation and international expansion. Kaufman's tenure included more than 50 acquisitions and the development of Arrow's European and Asia-Pacific operations. Businesses associated with Kierulff, Schweber, Wyle, Spoerle, Silverstar, CAL, and other distributors broadened Arrow's geographic and product coverage. Arrow also entered national distribution of commercial computer products through the acquisition of Gates/FA Distributing. In 1998, Arrow and Marubun Corporation created a 50/50 joint venture, Marubun/Arrow, to strengthen their respective operations in Asia and North America. Kaufman left the CEO role in 2000 and retired as chairman in 2002. Daniel W. Duval succeeded him as chairman, followed by William E. Mitchell, who became chief executive officer in 2003 and chairman in 2006. Under Mitchell, Arrow expanded sales, improved operating efficiency, and completed 17 acquisitions. Michael J. Long became CEO in 2009 and chairman in 2010. Long, who had joined Arrow through its Schweber merger in 1991, oversaw more than 40 strategic acquisitions and further development of the components and enterprise-computing businesses. In the 2010s Arrow also expanded its role in technology information and media. It moved its headquarters to Centennial, Colorado, in 2011, acquired United Technical Publishing in 2015, and agreed in 2016 to acquire an electronics media portfolio from UBM. These properties included EE Times, EDN, ESM, Embedded, EBN, TechOnline, and Datasheets.com. The company continued to support engineering, procurement, reseller, and manufacturing customers through distribution, technical services, logistics, and channel enablement. Arrow has maintained a visible presence in engineering education and motorsport. It has sponsored the FIRST Robotics Competition since 2012. In 2019 it became title sponsor of Schmidt Peterson Motorsport's IndyCar operation and also entered a sponsorship relationship with McLaren Racing. The IndyCar team subsequently competed as Arrow McLaren SP and later as Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team. Arrow's sponsorship of the McLaren Formula 1 team and its IndyCar title relationship were extended in 2021, with the supplied reference material stating that the IndyCar title arrangement is scheduled to run through the 2028 season. In June 2022, Sean J. Kerins succeeded Long as president and CEO. Kerins had joined Arrow in 2007 and held leadership roles in storage and networking, North American enterprise computing, global enterprise computing, and operations. The supplied material states that Kerins separated from Arrow in September 2025 but does not name a successor. Arrow remains an active, publicly listed global distributor focused on electronic components, enterprise computing, and associated value-added services.
- 2025
CEO separation
[1]The supplied reference material records Sean J. Kerins's separation from Arrow in September 2025.
- 2022
Sean J. Kerins becomes CEO
[1]Kerins succeeded Michael J. Long as president and chief executive officer.
- 2016
UBM electronics media transaction
[1]Arrow agreed to acquire a portfolio of UBM electronics media brands and digital properties.
- 2015
United Technical Publishing acquisition
[1]Arrow acquired United Technical Publishing and its electronics-information properties.
- 2011
Headquarters moves to Colorado
[1]Arrow relocated its headquarters to Centennial, Colorado.
- 1998
Marubun/Arrow joint venture
[1]Arrow and Marubun formed a 50/50 joint venture serving Asian and North American operations.
- 1979
New York Stock Exchange listing and Cramer acquisition
[1]Arrow moved its listing to the New York Stock Exchange and acquired Cramer Electronics.
- 1970
Texas Instruments franchise
[1]Arrow won a major Texas Instruments semiconductor franchise, supporting rapid expansion in component distribution.
- 1961
Initial public offering
[1]Arrow completed its IPO and listed on the American Stock Exchange.
- 1946
Arrow Electronics is incorporated
[1]The business was formally incorporated under the Arrow Electronics name.
Products and positioning
A global business-to-business technology distributor and value-added supply-chain partner connecting electronic-component manufacturers, enterprise-technology vendors, engineers, manufacturers, resellers, and service providers.
Electronic-component distribution
Electronic components
Arrow distributes semiconductors, passive components, electromechanical products, embedded technologies, and related parts used by original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers, engineers, and other commercial customers. Its services can include product access, technical guidance, demand planning, inventory support, order fulfillment, and supply-chain coordination.
Enterprise technology distribution
Enterprise computing solutions
The enterprise computing business distributes and supports infrastructure products and solutions for data centers, storage, networking, cloud environments, security, and related enterprise systems. Arrow serves technology resellers, managed service providers, systems integrators, and commercial organizations with channel services, configuration, logistics, and technical enablement.
Technical services
Engineering and design-support services
Arrow supports product development and system design by helping engineers identify components, evaluate technologies, access technical documentation, and develop embedded or electronic solutions. These services complement distribution by connecting component availability with design decisions and manufacturing requirements.
Technical media · 2015
Electronics media and technical information
Through acquisitions in the 2010s, Arrow added electronics-industry publications and digital information resources. The portfolio referenced in company history included EE Times, EDN, ESM, Embedded, EBN, TechOnline, Datasheets.com, Electronic Products, and Schematics.com.
Controversies
Marketing campaigns
- 2019Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsport title sponsorship
United States · International motorsport audiences
Arrow became title sponsor of Schmidt Peterson Motorsport's IndyCar operation, which adopted the Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsport name. The campaign connected Arrow's technology brand with high-performance engineering and racing.
Outcome. The team later became Arrow McLaren SP and subsequently Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team.
- 2019McLaren Racing sponsorship
International
Arrow entered a sponsorship relationship with McLaren Racing, extending its brand visibility into Formula 1 and motorsport technology.
Outcome. The relationship was extended in 2021; the IndyCar title sponsorship is stated in the supplied material to run through the 2028 season.
- 2012FIRST Robotics Competition sponsorship
International
Arrow began sponsoring the FIRST Robotics Competition, an international high-school robotics program. The relationship aligned the company with engineering education, electronics skills, robotics, and the development of future technical talent.
Outcome. The sponsorship continued as a long-term engineering and education association according to the supplied reference material.
Brand decisions
2022
Appoint Sean J. Kerins as CEOOtherBackground
Michael J. Long completed a long tenure as Arrow's chief executive and chairman.
Action taken
Sean J. Kerins became president and chief executive officer.
Aftermath
Leadership passed to an internal executive with experience in storage, networking, enterprise computing, and operations.
2016
Acquire UBM electronics media portfolioM&ABackground
Arrow continued developing an electronics information platform alongside its distribution operations.
Action taken
An Arrow affiliate agreed to acquire UBM's electronics media portfolio, including EE Times, EDN, ESM, Embedded, EBN, TechOnline, and Datasheets.com.
Aftermath
Arrow added prominent engineering publications and digital properties to its broader technology ecosystem.
Cash consideration. 23.5 million USD (2016 transaction announcement)
2015
Acquire United Technical PublishingM&ABackground
Arrow wanted to expand its connection with engineers and the electronics design-information ecosystem.
Action taken
Arrow acquired United Technical Publishing and related electronics information properties.
Aftermath
The transaction broadened Arrow's presence beyond distribution into technical media and information.
2011
Relocate headquarters to ColoradoStrategyBackground
Arrow had developed into a multinational distributor with operations extending well beyond its historic New York base.
Action taken
The company moved its headquarters to Centennial, Colorado.
Aftermath
Centennial became the company's principal headquarters location.
1998
Form Marubun/ArrowM&ABackground
Arrow and Marubun sought to reinforce their respective distribution capabilities in Asia and North America.
Action taken
The companies established a 50/50 joint venture named Marubun/Arrow.
Aftermath
The venture supported cross-regional operations and international expansion.
1979
Acquire Cramer ElectronicsM&ABackground
Arrow sought to consolidate a fragmented U.S. electronics-distribution industry and extend its geographic coverage.
Action taken
Arrow acquired Cramer Electronics, historically one of the largest U.S. distributors.
Aftermath
The transaction strengthened Arrow's access to western U.S. markets and began a broader acquisition program.
1970
Deepen semiconductor distributionStrategyBackground
Arrow was shifting from retail electronics toward industrial component distribution and needed stronger manufacturer relationships.
Action taken
The company won important semiconductor franchises, including Texas Instruments, and expanded its field-sales network.
Aftermath
Arrow grew rapidly during the 1970s and became one of the largest U.S. electronics distributors.
1970
Exit retail operationsStrategyBackground
Industrial sales had become the dominant part of the business, while the company was building a national distribution network.
Action taken
Arrow discontinued its retail operations and concentrated on electronics distribution for industrial and commercial customers.
Aftermath
The decision established the business-to-business distribution model that defines Arrow's modern identity.
Recent events
- 2025
Sean J. Kerins separates from Arrow[1]
Leadership change
The supplied reference material states that Kerins separated from the company in September 2025; it does not identify the successor.
- 2022
Sean J. Kerins becomes president and CEO[1]
Leadership change
Sean J. Kerins succeeded Michael J. Long as Arrow's president and chief executive officer.
- 2016
Arrow acquires UBM electronics media portfolio[1]
M&A
Arrow agreed to acquire UBM's electronics media portfolio, including several engineering publications and digital technical-information properties.
- 2015
Arrow acquires United Technical Publishing[1]
M&A
The acquisition added electronics-industry information properties, including Electronic Products and Schematics.com.
- 2011
Arrow relocates headquarters to Colorado[1]
Other
The company moved its headquarters to Centennial, Colorado.
- 1998
Arrow forms Marubun/Arrow joint venture[1]
M&A
Arrow and Japan's Marubun Corporation established a 50/50 venture to support one another's operations in Asia and North America.
- 1988
Arrow acquires Kierulff Electronics[1]
M&A
The transaction supported Arrow's consolidation strategy in U.S. electronics distribution and was followed by a restructuring of Kierulff's warehouse network.
- 1980
Stouffer's Inn fire kills Arrow executives[1]
Other
A fire at Stouffer's Inn killed 13 members of Arrow's senior management, including B. Duke Glenn Jr. and Roger E. Green.
- 1979
Arrow acquires Cramer Electronics[1]
M&A
The acquisition expanded Arrow's geographic reach and became its first major acquisition in the electronics-distribution industry.
- 1961
Arrow becomes a public company[1]
Other
Arrow completed its initial public offering and listed its shares on the American Stock Exchange.
Sources13 sources
- 1Arrow Electronicsen.wikipedia.org
- 2Arrow Electronics official websitearrow.com
- 3艾睿电子推出集成双向电力转换器解决方案，推动电动汽车到电网技术发展tech.sina.com.cn
- 4Arrow Electronics introduces automotive high voltage evaluation platform - CIEcieonline.co.uk
- 5Arrow Electronics signs pan-European distribution agreement with Secureworkssourcesecurity.com
- 6Arrow Electronics Sponsors Junior Achievement Initiative for3blmedia.com
- 7Arrow launches managed storage services for NetApp Keystone - PCRpcr-online.biz
- 8ERNI launches distribution collaboration with Arrowevertiq.com
- 9Freelancer.com Partners With the Bureau of Reclamation and NASA to Improve Hydropower System Reliabilitythewhig.com
- 10HiveIO Expands Distribution Agreement with Arrow Electronics to North Americaksl.com
- 11Make-A-Wish teams up with Arrow Electronics robotics team, brings teen’s vision of imaginary dragon to lifekrdo.com
- 12McLaren Racing Announces Multi-year F1 Partnership Extension With Arrow Electronicsfinanznachrichten.de
- 13McLaren Racing announces multi-year partnership extension with Arrow Electronicsfinanznachrichten.de
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/arrow-electronics · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled