A. O. Smith Names CEO Stephen Shafer to Succeed Kevin Wheeler as Chairman
A. O. Smith announced that Stephen Shafer, who became president and chief executive officer on July 1, 2025, will succeed Kevin Wheeler as chairman [2]. Wheeler transitioned from the dual CEO-chairman role to executive chairman when Shafer assumed the CEO position [2].
A. O. Smith Corporation () announced that Stephen Shafer, who became president and chief executive officer on July 1, 2025, will now also assume the chairman role from Kevin Wheeler [2]. Wheeler had previously transitioned from chairman and CEO to executive chairman when Shafer took the top operating job in July [2]. The move consolidates both titles under Shafer and marks the completion of a planned succession at the Milwaukee-based water heater and boiler manufacturer.
Wheeler's role after relinquishing the chairmanship was not detailed in the available materials, though his prior move to executive chairman suggested a phased transition. Shafer's appointment to the board occurred simultaneously with his CEO promotion in July [2]. The company has not disclosed whether Wheeler will remain on the board or in an advisory capacity.
Continue reading
2 more paragraphs for subscribers.
Free readers get a daily preview and the weekly long-form. Premium unlocks every brief in full, AM & PM editions, alerts, and the archive.