YORK, PA — York International Corp. announced the appointment of John R. Tucker as chief executive officer, succeeding Robert N. Pokelwaldt, who is retiring as chairman and ceo.

The company also announced that Gerald C. McDonough, a long-time board member, would succeed Pokelwaldt as chairman of the board.

Tucker has been president and chief operating officer of the company since October 1997, and a director since December of 1997. Before joining York, he was president of the Aerospace Equipment Systems business unit of Allied Signal Inc.

Under Pokelwaldt’s leadership, York grew three-fold to become what the company calls “a $4 billion leader within the hvacr industry.”

Pokelwaldt became chairman and ceo of York in 1991. He joined the company with the 1987 acquisition of Frick, a U.S. industrial refrigeration company. In the past decade he added many global refrigeration brands and products, including Sabroe A/S.

In making the announcement, Pokelwaldt said, “Two years ago we initiated our succession plan with the appointment of John Tucker as president and chief operating officer. Since then, we have put in place processes that will ensure York’s future success.”