Shafer will become the 11^th CEO in the company’s 151-year history. He will have responsibility for the company’s global operations, as well as for strategy development and implementation, profitability, and shareholder return, the press release said.

Shafer joined A. O. Smith as president and COO in March of 2024 to lead the company’s global business units, including operations, supply chain, corporate technology, and information technology.

“Steve’s broad business experience, coupled with his strategic business acumen, uniquely position him to guide A. O. Smith as the company continues its journey as a global water technology leader,” said Wheeler. “For the past year, Steve has collaborated closely with me and other business leaders to understand our business and identify opportunities to drive enhanced performance and continued growth in both sales and profitability.”

“A. O. Smith experienced significant progress and profitable growth under Kevin’s leadership,” said lead director Ron Brown. “During his tenure, the company acquired Giant Factories, a Canadian water heater manufacturer, as well as six water treatment companies, including one in India. As chairman, president, and chief executive officer during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin led the company through an unprecedented period, maintaining business continuity while prioritizing the health and safety of employees.”

Wheeler joined A. O. Smith in 1994 as a regional sales manager for the former Water Products Co. Over the course of his 31-year career with A. O. Smith, he has held several 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 water-heating businesses in North America, India, and Europe.

Prior to becoming chairman and CEO, Wheeler was chairman, president, and CEO from April 2020 to March 2024, and was president and CEO from September 2018 to April 2020. He was named president and COO in June 2017 and elected to the A.O. Smith board in July 2017.

Before joining A. O. Smith, Shafer worked at 3M Co. from 2010 until 2024. At 3M, he held several positions with increasing levels of responsibility in multiple business units in the U.S. and China. His most recent role at 3M was president of the Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division.

Shafer is a member of the executive advisory board for WorkBoard Inc., a former board member of the Shanghai American Chamber of Commerce, and served as a Big Brother Big Sister mentor.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to step into the role of chief executive officer and lead this great company and exceptional team,” said Shafer. “I look forward to continuing to build on the solid foundation at A. O. Smith and deliver outstanding value to our shareholders, employees, and customers.”

“The board is extremely pleased with how well Kevin and Steve have worked together to make this a smooth transition,” said Brown. “As a board, we look forward to continuing to support both of them in creating additional value for our shareholders.”