Global Citizenship: Training the Next Generation of Talent
Global Sourcing Spotlight: How Global Sourcing Drives Innovation
One World, One Industry: IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Marks a Special Anniversary Year
Infinite Electronics Announces Leadership Transition
March 20, 2025 | Infinite ElectronicsEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Infinite Electronics, a leading global provider of electronic components and connectivity solutions, announced that J. Lindsley Ruth has been named President and CEO. He succeeds Penny Cotner, who has decided to step down as CEO after 12 successful years with the company.
With over 30 years of global leadership experience, Mr. Ruth is an accomplished and seasoned CEO, with deep experience in both electronics and distribution. Most recently, he was CEO of RS Group plc, a leading global distributor of industrial MRO products and electronic components, from 2015 to 2022. Mr. Ruth also brings deep experience in e-commerce and private label from his time at RS, both of which are key to Infinite’s business model. Prior to RS, Mr. Ruth had extensive other experience in electronics and distribution, including senior leadership roles at Future Electronics, Solectron and TTI.
“I am honored to take on this new role and look forward to working with the talented team at Infinite Electronics to empower people to perform at their best and continue to build an organization that inspires success from within,” said J. Lindsley Ruth. “Together, we will deliver high-quality products and solutions to our customers and create value for all our stakeholders.”
Ms. Cotner began her 30-plus-year career as an engineer with the International Space Station Program, then moved into leadership roles in the global electronics distribution space. Ms. Cotner became CEO of Infinite Electronics in 2018, following her tenure with companies including Arrow Electronics and Rockwell International. Since her appointment as CEO, the company has grown to include 19 brands in 10 countries around the world and has developed a culture and high performing team focused on the urgent needs of customers in the technology and industrial spaces.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Infinite’s CEO, and I am very proud of the accomplishments of this team,” said Penny Cotner. “Infinite is poised for growth and continued success under Lindsley’s leadership, and I am confident that the company will continue to succeed and reach new heights. Thank you all for your support and commitment throughout the years.”
Infinite is backed by Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm and active investor in the industrials sector, with significant experience investing in suppliers of highly engineered components as well as distributors, including TransDigm, Extant Aerospace, Scotsman, Sundyne, CPP, Duravant, INRCORE, BradyPLUS and TriMark.
“We are excited to welcome Lindsley to the Infinite Electronics team,” said Jeff Goldfaden, Managing Director, Head of Industrials, Warburg Pincus. “Lindsley’s proven track record of driving growth and innovation, coupled with his wealth of leadership expertise, makes him the perfect fit to lead the company into the next phase of strategic expansion. I want to thank Penny for her leadership and commitment to putting Infinite on a path of continued market leadership and growth.”
Share on:
Suggested Items
Take the Next Step With IPC’s Spring Session of Instructor-led Courses
03/25/2025 | Corey Lynn, IPCIPC continues to lead in professional development within the electronics industry, offering a diverse lineup of online instructor-led courses. These courses are designed to help professionals master new skills, stay ahead of technological advancements, and meet the challenges of today's dynamic industry environment.
Electronics in Harsh Environments Conference Program Announced
03/25/2025 | SMTASMTA Europe is proud to announce the 2025 Electronics in Harsh Environments Conference, taking place 20-22 May in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This global conference is a three-day technical event with 27 technical presentations focused on building reliable electronics used in power electronics and harsh environments.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: LPKF's Advancements in Laser Depaneling Technology
03/25/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn this recent interview, Jake Benz from LPKF Laser and Electronics discusses advancements in laser depaneling technology, focusing on speed and quality. He highlights the previous negative reputation of laser depaneling and shares insights from nearly two decades of experience. As customer needs evolve, traditional companies are exploring laser technology.
Dr. Thomas Marktscheffel of ASMPT Honored for his Work on Open Interfaces
03/25/2025 | ASMPTDr. Thomas Marktscheffel, Director Product Management Software Solutions at ASMPT, was honored by the IPC at this year's IPC APEX EXPO in Anaheim, California, for his many years of commitment to the organization. The non-proprietary interface standards he helped develop form the basis for ASMPT’s intelligent factory concept.
American Made Advocacy: Reshoring—About Trust, Not Just Geography
03/25/2025 | Shane Whiteside -- Column: American Made AdvocacyIn today’s chaotic political environment, you might have missed the fact that Congress allocated nearly $3 billion to rip out and replace key components in America’s telecommunications networks. The funding is to remove equipment from networks nationwide because of cyberattacks on internet routers and cellular networks enabled by a Chinese company that makes more than half of the routers sold in the U.S. We know from prior experience and similar transgressions that we cannot trust that Chinese components aren’t being used for nefarious purposes.