Arrow Electronics CEO Sean Kerins Abruptly Leaves, Stock Falls 5.4% Amid Uncertainty

Arrow Electronics shares fell 5.4% after the sudden departure of President and CEO Sean Kerins and the appointment of board member William Austen as interim replacement. Despite reporting strong Q2 financial results, investors are concerned about corporate stability and future strategy. The stock market's negative reaction suggests uncertainty about the company's direction.

Arrow Electronics Inc. (NYSE: ARW) saw its shares drop by 5.4% on September 12, 2025, following the abrupt departure of President and CEO Sean Kerins and the appointment of board member William F. Austen as interim replacement. This move comes despite the company reporting strong Q2 financial results, with investors expressing concern over the company's corporate stability and future strategy.

The electronic components distributor announced that Austen, who has served as a board member since May 2020 and previously led Bemis Company as CEO, will take on the interim role effective immediately. Austen succeeds Kerins, who has stepped down from his roles as Director, President, and CEO. The company has initiated a search for a permanent CEO. Kerins will continue to assist with the transition, with his departure unrelated to Arrow’s financial statements Arrow Electronics names Bill Austen Interim CEO^[1].

Independent Board Chair Steven Gunby expressed confidence in the current leadership team's ability to lead Arrow during this period of transition, noting Austen's willingness to step into the role. However, the stock market's negative reaction suggests uncertainty about the company's direction, particularly with the sudden change in leadership.

Investors are closely monitoring the situation, as Arrow Electronics is a key player in the global market for electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. The company's strong Q2 results, which included mid-single-digit Q3 sales growth and a robust backlog, may have been overshadowed by the leadership change, highlighting the market's sensitivity to such shifts Arrow Electronics stock falls after CEO departure^[2].

The appointment of Austen as interim CEO marks a significant change in Arrow Electronics' leadership. Investors will be watching closely to see how the interim leadership handles the transition and how quickly a permanent CEO is appointed. The company's ability to maintain stability and continue its growth trajectory will be critical in the coming months.