Bel Announces Appointment of Tom Smelker as President of Connectivity Solutions

Rhea-AI Summary

Bel (Nasdaq: BELFA) named Tom Smelker President of Connectivity Solutions, effective January 26, 2026. Smelker brings 20+ years in aerospace and defense, including 19 years at Raytheon and a recent role as SVP & General Manager at Mercury Systems where he managed a $400+ million P&L across ten sites and led a profitability turnaround. His expertise in ruggedized computing, RF systems, secure microelectronics, space technologies, and compliance (ITAR, CMMC) aligns with Bel’s strategic focus on aerospace and defense. Management highlights Bel’s expectation that Smelker’s operational scale experience and industry relationships will support transformational growth in Connectivity Solutions.

Positive

• Appointment effective Jan 26, 2026 strengthens leadership of Connectivity Solutions
• Smelker managed a $400+ million P&L across ten sites
• Deep aerospace and defense expertise from 19 years at Raytheon
• Technical strengths in ruggedized computing, RF, secure microelectronics

Negative

• None.

WEST ORANGE, N.J., Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bel Fuse Inc. (Nasdaq: BELFA and BELFB) (“Bel” or “the Company”), a leading global manufacturer of products that power, protect and connect electronic circuits, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Smelker as President of Connectivity Solutions, effective January 26, 2026.

Tom Smelker joins Bel with a distinguished background in the aerospace and defense sectors, bringing over two decades of experience driving operational transformation and business growth. Most recently, Tom served as Senior Vice President and General Manager at Mercury Systems, where he successfully managed an extensive $400+ million P&L across ten sites. Under his leadership, his P&L achieved a remarkable turnaround, improving profitability and repositioning key product lines into top-performing units. Prior to Mercury Systems, Tom spent 19 years at Raytheon, where he advanced to Senior Fellow in Secure Processing and launched a secure systems business and product capabilities in advanced microelectronics, collaborating with and delivering to the U.S. Department of Defense and Tier-1 primes.

Tom’s expertise encompasses ruggedized computing, RF systems, secure microelectronics, and space technologies for both defense and commercial air applications—areas closely aligned with Bel’s strategic priorities. With proven P&L leadership at scale, extensive growth experience, and global multi-site operational oversight, Tom is uniquely equipped to lead Bel’s Connectivity Solutions business unit. His deep technical fluency in aerospace and defense, expertise in secure systems, mission computing, and compliance (ITAR, CMMC), combined with a hands-on, urgency-driven leadership style, position him to drive transformational growth and innovation at Bel.

Farouq Tuweiq, CEO of Bel, commented, "We are thrilled to welcome Tom to Bel’s executive team. Tom’s exceptional leadership skills and intimate knowledge of the aerospace and defense end markets—now strategic to our future—will be invaluable as we continue to expand our capabilities and reach. His track record of driving growth, paired with his deep industry expertise and strong relationships with key decision makers within the industry, will help propel Bel forward in its journey of growth, both organically and inorganically."

"Joining Bel at such a dynamic time for the organization is both inspiring and motivating,” said Tom Smelker. “Bel’s commitment to innovation and its strong position in aerospace and defense globally make this a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to working with the talented team at Bel to help shape our future and deliver outstanding value to our customers and stakeholders."

About Bel
Bel (www.belfuse.com) designs, manufactures and markets a broad array of products that power, protect and connect electronic circuits. These products are primarily used in the defense, commercial aerospace, networking, telecommunications, computing, general industrial, high-speed data transmission, transportation and eMobility industries. Bel's portfolio of products also finds application in the automotive, medical, broadcasting and consumer electronics markets. Bel's product groups include Power Solutions and Protection (front-end, board-mount and industrial power products, module products and circuit protection), Connectivity Solutions (expanded beam fiber optic, copper-based, RF and RJ connectors and cable assemblies), and Magnetic Solutions (integrated connector modules, power transformers, power inductors and discrete components). The Company operates facilities around the world.

Company Contact:
Lynn Hutkin  
Chief Financial Officer  
ir@belf.com

Investor Contact:
Three Part Advisors
Jean Marie Young, Managing Director or Steven Hooser, Partner
631-418-4339
jyoung@threepa.com; shooser@threepa.com

FAQ

When does Tom Smelker start as President of Connectivity Solutions at BELFA?

Tom Smelker's appointment is effective January 26, 2026.

What prior experience does Tom Smelker bring to BELFA's Connectivity Solutions?

He brings 20+ years in aerospace and defense, including 19 years at Raytheon and leadership at Mercury Systems managing a $400+ million P&L.

How does Smelker's background align with BELFA's strategy for aerospace and defense?

His experience in secure systems, mission computing, RF, space technologies, and compliance (ITAR, CMMC) matches Bel's strategic priorities in aerospace and defense.

Could Tom Smelker’s appointment affect BELFA’s Connectivity Solutions growth?

Company expects his P&L leadership and industry relationships to support transformational growth and innovation in Connectivity Solutions.

Which BELFA business unit will Tom Smelker lead after his appointment?

He will lead Connectivity Solutions, Bel's business unit focused on products that connect electronic circuits.