Bel Fuse (US:BELFA) Globenewswire·2026-01-15 21:20Core Viewpoint - Bel Fuse Inc. has appointed Tom Smelker as President of Connectivity Solutions, effective January 26, 2026, to drive growth and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors [1][4]. Group 1: Appointment and Background - Tom Smelker brings over two decades of experience in the aerospace and defense sectors, previously serving as Senior Vice President and General Manager at Mercury Systems, managing a $400+ million P&L across ten sites [2]. - At Mercury Systems, he achieved a significant turnaround in profitability and repositioned key product lines into top-performing units [2]. - Prior to Mercury Systems, Smelker spent 19 years at Raytheon, where he advanced to Senior Fellow in Secure Processing and launched a secure systems business [2][3]. Group 2: Expertise and Strategic Fit - Smelker's expertise includes ruggedized computing, RF systems, secure microelectronics, and space technologies, aligning closely with Bel's strategic priorities [3]. - His leadership experience in P&L management and global operational oversight positions him well to lead Bel's Connectivity Solutions business unit [3]. Group 3: Leadership Comments - Farouq Tuweiq, CEO of Bel, expressed enthusiasm about Smelker's appointment, highlighting his leadership skills and industry knowledge as crucial for the company's growth [4]. - Smelker noted the opportunity to contribute to Bel's commitment to innovation and its strong position in the aerospace and defense markets [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Bel Fuse Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets products that power, protect, and connect electronic circuits, serving various industries including defense, commercial aerospace, telecommunications, and automotive [5]. - The company's product groups include Power Solutions, Connectivity Solutions, and Magnetic Solutions, with operations in facilities worldwide [5].