MOORPARK, CA, Aug. 31 -- Citing personal reasons, the chief executive of SMTEK International is leaving to take a job with a leading components distributor, the company said today.

Effective Sept. 20, SMTEK president and CEO Edward Smith will depart for a senior executive position with Avnet Electronics Marketing.

In a press statement, Smith said, "The financial performance reported over the last several quarters shows how SMTEK's initiatives are paying off. I have decided for personal reasons to relocate to the area of the country that I call home."

SMTEK's board has named senior vice president and chief financial officer Kirk Waldron as interim president.

Smith will continue as a director of SMTEK, the company said.

SMTEK chairman James Burgess said the company's financial guidance remains unchanged.