For four decades, Alexander Beck has been an important part of Beck GmbH & Co. Elektronik Bauelemente KG (BECK Elektronik). Now, in its fourth generation of family management, the medium-sized company has developed into one of the world's leading distributors of electronic components. With 40 years of experience and his profound understanding of the industry Alexander Beck has contributed significantly to the company's success.
Alexander Beck thinks back to his first contact with the company: "You are 'born into' a family business. Even after work, we talked about the company and the business at home. It automatically gave you a deeper understanding." As a teenager, during vacations, he began working in the warehouse and in processing, followed by various jobs as a student trainee. After completing his diploma thesis in January of 1984, he took on his first role as product manager for optoelectronics. Still today he is very knowledgeable in this field. At that time, he and his brother Dr. Dieter Beck introduced the 3rd generation into the family business alongside Dipl.-Ing. Theodor Beck (2nd generation).
Alexander Beck has witnessed many changes in the (electronics) industry. From the beginning, with business letters and telex machines, to the digitalization with global networking – he led the company through all these developments, always driven by innovation and change.
At the beginning of the 80s, the company was still operating throughout Europe as a wholesaler for electronic components. When Alexander and Dieter Beck joined the company, the distribution channels were extended beyond Europe. In the mid-1980s, BECK Elektronik began importing its own products from Far East. Under the management of the two brothers, the company group continued to grow by Founding additional companies such as Beck Kabel- und Gehäusetechnik (BKG), BEC (Asia) Ltd. in Hong Kong and BED, which is responsible for the distribution of special displays.
The challenges that Alexander Beck has faced as Managing Director over the last four decades are numerous. For example, he still remembers the changeover to the year 2000 and the question "Can the data processing systems cope with the change?" This was followed shortly by the introduction of the euro, with all the consequences of a currency changeover. Together with the company, he experienced global financial and economic crises that led the entire world economy into a recession. During the global Covid-19 pandemic, the company quickly switched to mobile working to maintain performance for all partners. At the same time, production facilities around the world were shut down. This led to enormous supply difficulties for electronic components when the pandemic ended. From technological changes to global crises, Alexander Beck has always successfully steered the company through every conflict with his foresight and leadership.
“I am proud of the fact that we have always overcome all these challenges as a team. We didn’t have to lay off anyone for operational reasons. And we have emerged stronger from every crisis," he reflects.
Alexander Beck is aware that business success is based on strong values and a committed corporate culture. The company slogan reflects that: The Electronic Family. He is convinced that "working as a team, the cohesion within the company and all departments, is a key factor for our joint success."
After 40 years in the family business, the time has come for Alexander Beck to pave the way for the fourth generation. The introduction of his sons Patrick and Nicolai Beck to the management board is an emotional moment for him. It is the logical step after their many years of involvement in the company. “To work for the BECK family business is not an obligation but a voluntary decision. The responsibility comes along with that." says Alexander Beck. Together with their father, the two sons are continuing to successfully develop the distribution business. The seamless handover underlines the strength and stability of the family tradition within the company group.
“We keep believing in the strengths of the company. Together as the “Electronic family” we are seeking new paths”. These targets will remain in place for generations to come.
