Sean Kerins on automation

About Sean Kerins

Sean Kerins, president and CEO of Arrow Electronics, has been discussing digital transformation and the challenges organizations face in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. In a December 2024 keynote presentation, Kerins argued that many digital transformation efforts fail because organizations start with the tool rather than the problem. He cited a McKinsey and World Economic Forum survey that found 70% of digital transformations fail, and noted that companies in the Global Lighthouse Network achieved KPI improvements by upskilling and reskilling their workforce rather than eliminating staff. Kerins stated that only 5% of jobs are fully automatable, while 60% of jobs are at least 30% automatable, and said successful transformations involved giving time back to employees to solve value-added problems. Kerins has also spoken about leadership and culture, drawing on his background as a college basketball player at Syracuse University. In a 2021 podcast interview, he said that "the further you go, the less you know" and emphasized the importance of learning from others. He described culture as being created "through decisions, actions and examples" rather than words, and said good teams start with leaders who care about their people. In a 2023 interview, Kerins stated that his goal is to do the best job he can as head of a technology distribution company for as long as the company wants him in the role.

Profile compiled from Sean Kerins's verified public interviews and appearances. See all quotes & transcripts →