A. O. Smith Company (NYSE: AOS), a worldwide chief in water expertise, has introduced that Govt Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire efficient July 1. The corporate’s board of administrators has elected Stephen Shafer, president and chief govt officer (CEO), as chairman upon Wheeler’s retirement. Wheeler will stay a member of the corporate’s board of administrators.
“Kevin’s affect on A. O. Smith spans three many years,” mentioned Chris Mapes, lead director of the board. “Throughout his tenure, the corporate expanded its world footprint, strengthened its portfolio via a number of acquisitions and efficiently navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic whereas sustaining sturdy operational efficiency.”
Wheeler joined A. O. Smith in 1994 as a regional gross sales supervisor for the previous Water Merchandise Firm and held varied senior management roles throughout the enterprise earlier than changing into president and CEO in 2018 and chairman in 2020.
Shafer, who has served as president and CEO since July 2025, turns into the eleventh CEO to imagine the function of chairman within the firm’s historical past. He joined A. O. Smith in 2024 as president and chief working officer. As chairman, Shafer will lead the board of administrators and proceed to supervise the corporate’s world operations, strategic route, profitability and shareholder return.
“Steve has demonstrated sturdy, strategic management and a deep understanding of our enterprise and development alternatives,” mentioned Mapes. “His mixed function as chairman and CEO will additional strengthen alignment throughout our technique, operations and long-term worth creation.”
Earlier than becoming a member of A. O. Smith, Shafer held roles of accelerating duty at 3M Firm throughout a number of enterprise models within the U.S. and China. Earlier in his profession, he labored at McKinsey & Co. and Ford Motor Firm. Shafer serves on the boards of the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Affiliation of Commerce, in addition to the Govt Advisory Board for WorkBoard Inc.
“As chairman, I’ll proceed main this excellent firm and staff with focus and self-discipline,” mentioned Shafer. “We stay dedicated to driving innovation, serving our prospects and advancing our goal to discover a higher method. I’d additionally prefer to thank Kevin for his management and continued assist via this transition and sit up for benefiting from his continued steerage as a member of our board going ahead.”