A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS) has announced several changes in its top leadership. Kevin Wheeler, the current chairman and chief executive officer, is set to transition to the role of executive chairman effective July 1, 2025. As part of this transition, Stephen Shafer will be appointed to the board of directors and take on the role of president and chief executive officer.
The company's performance under Kevin Wheeler's leadership has been noteworthy. During his tenure, A. O. Smith acquired Giant Factories, a Canadian water heater manufacturer, and six water treatment companies, including one in India. Notably, Wheeler steered the company through the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining business continuity while prioritizing the health and safety of employees.
Stephen Shafer, who joined A. O. Smith as president and chief operating officer in March 2024, will now assume the responsibility for the company's global operations, strategy development, profitability, and shareholder return. Shafer's extensive business experience, strategic acumen, and collaborative efforts with the leadership team position him as the 11th chief executive officer in the company's 151-year history.
Kevin Wheeler's career with A. O. Smith spans over 31 years, during which he held various senior leadership roles, including vice president – international, senior vice president and general manager of the U.S. retail water heater business, and senior vice president and president for the North America, India, and Europe water heating businesses.
Shafer's previous experience includes a tenure at 3M Company from 2010 to 2024, where he held positions with increasing levels of responsibility, culminating in his role as the president of the automotive and aerospace solutions division. His prior engagements at McKinsey & Company and Ford Motor Company focused on manufacturing, supply chain, and operational improvement.
The board of directors expressed confidence in the smooth transition, highlighting the collaborative efforts of both Wheeler and Shafer. The company looks forward to continuing its journey as a global water technology leader under Shafer's leadership, building on the solid foundation laid by Wheeler.
These leadership changes reflect A. O. Smith's commitment to driving enhanced performance and continued growth in sales and profitability as it evolves as a global leader in water technology. The market has reacted to these announcements by moving the company's shares -0.4% to a price of $65.01. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
