Tobolski, currently serving as president and COO of the company, will assume the CEO role as Aaon continues to strengthen its market position through significant investments in data center cooling production capacity, positioning the company for sustained growth, a press release from Aaon said. Tobolski brings to Aaon extensive leadership experience and a robust understanding of the engineering and manufacturing of HVAC systems, particularly in the data center thermal management market, the press release said.

Tobolski previously served as president of BASX Solutions, a company he co-founded in 2013 and that Aaon acquired in December 2021.

“The board identified Matt as uniquely suited to lead AAON in its next chapter of growth,” said A.H. “Chip” McElroy II, independent chairman of the board of directors. “We expect this will be a seamless process, especially in light of Matt’s leadership that we have witnessed over the past three years. As Gary was the right leader at the right time, so too is Matt. He has the vision, talent, drive, and skills to leverage the entire enterprise into a pattern of growth that will serve Aaon and its customers for years to come.”

“It is an honor to be appointed CEO of Aaon. I am excited to take on the challenge of leading the company into its next phase of growth,” Tobolski said. “By leveraging the innovative spirit and highly talented engineering resources of both Aaon and BASX, we are well-positioned to grow the company’s prominence in the industry. As we enter this evolutionary phase, I look forward to strengthening relationships and continuing to deliver industry-leading solutions.”

“I am thankful for the opportunity to have led Aaon these past few years,” said Fields. “I am confident that the executive leadership team, led by Matt, will take the company to the next level.”