Tech Data CEO Rich Hume, who led the distributor through the pandemic and the acquisition of rival Synnex, will retire Sept. 1. TD Synnex COO Patrick Zammit will take over.

TD Synnex CEO Rich Hume, who led the company through six transformative years of massive growth through acquisition as well as running one of the world’s largest IT distribution hubs during the global pandemic, will retire on Sept. 1. He will remain on the distributor’s board of directors.

Hume (pictured above right) will be replaced by TD Synnex COO Patrick Zammit (pictured above left).

“It has been the greatest privilege of my professional career to serve as CEO of TD Synnex,” Hume wrote in a statement. “I am proud of the culture we have built, our partner-first focus and commitment to customer excellence, and the purpose-driven approach we have taken in our business. In this dynamic and ever-changing technology landscape, Patrick is the right leader to build on this foundation as we continue to deliver value to our customers and vendors across the ecosystem. Under his leadership, I am confident that TD Synnex will reach even greater heights.”

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Zammit came to TD Synnex through its acquisition of Avnet in 2017. He began his stint at Avnet in 1993, rising to global president of technology solutions and a role on its executive board.

TD Synnex said since then, Zammit has been a critical part of orchestrating the company’s business strategy to drive profitable growth and accelerate the adoption of new, high-growth technologies around the world. He was named COO in January after having served as president of the distributor’s EMEA business.

“I am honored to succeed Rich and lead TD Synnex into its next chapter,” said Zammit in a statement. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation we have established and driving forward our strategy and digitization road map to ensure we are constantly delivering the greatest value to our co-workers, partners, vendors and shareholders,” said Zammit. “Rich has been an outstanding leader and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his role on our board of directors.”

Bob Venero, president and CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Future Tech, told CRN that Hume leaves big shoes to fill.

“This is a big loss for Tech Data,” Venero said. “I consider Rich a friend. I’ve known him since he was at IBM, and he’s done an amazing job with Tech Data. It’s going to be interesting to see how they respond [under new leadership],” Venero said.

Hume joined Tech Data in 2016 as COO, becoming CEO in 2018. During his tenure, the distributor bought Avnet in 2017, went private in a deal with Apollo Asset Management in 2020 and merged with distribution rival Synnex.

Tech Data’s board of directors expressed its gratitude to Hume for his leadership and contributions with a message from Chair of the Board Ann Vezina.

“We are immensely grateful to Rich for his leadership. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping the company’s trajectory, and we look forward to his continued guidance on the board of directors,” Vezina said in the statement. “Under Patrick’s leadership, TD Synnex will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks in the industry. His vision aligns perfectly with our core values and strategic goals, ensuring a seamless continuation of the innovative foundation that Rich has built.”