A.O. Smith Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler to Retire on July 1
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 22 2026
0mins
A.O. Smith Corporation announced today that Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire effective July 1. The company's board of directors has elected Stephen Shafer, president and chief executive officer, as chairman upon Wheeler's retirement. Wheeler will remain a member of the company's board of directors. "Kevin's impact on A. O. Smith spans three decades," said Chris Mapes, lead director of the board. "During his tenure, the company expanded its global footprint, strengthened its portfolio through multiple acquisitions and successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining strong operational performance."
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Analyst Views on AOS
Wall Street analysts forecast AOS stock price to rise
8 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 61.310
Low
75.00
Averages
79.17
High
85.00
Current: 61.310
Low
75.00
Averages
79.17
High
85.00
About AOS
A. O. Smith Corporation applies technologies and solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The Company operates through two segments: North America and Rest of World. Both the segments manufacture and market a comprehensive line of residential and commercial gas and electric water heaters, boilers, tanks, and water treatment products. Its Rest of World segment is primarily comprised of China, Europe, and India. The North America segment serves residential and commercial end markets with a range of products, including water heaters, boilers, water treatment products, and others. The Company also manufactures expansion tanks, commercial solar water heating systems, swimming pool and spa heaters, related products and parts. Its Lochinvar brand is a residential and commercial boiler brand in the United States. Its water softener branded products and problem well water solutions include the Hague, Water-Right, Master Water, Atlantic Filter, Impact, and Water Tec brands.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
A.O. Smith to Release Q2 2026 Financial Results and Host Investor Call
- Earnings Release Schedule: A.O. Smith Corporation is set to announce its Q2 2026 financial results before the market opens on July 30, providing investors with insights into its latest financial health and operational performance.
- Investor Conference Call: Following the earnings release, the company will host an investor conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, allowing real-time engagement and transparency with investors.
- Replay Availability: After the call, an audio replay will be accessible on the company's website, ensuring that investors who cannot attend live can still obtain critical information, enhancing overall accessibility.
- Company Overview: Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, A.O. Smith is a global leader in manufacturing water heating equipment and boilers, committed to innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions, thereby reinforcing its market leadership.
See More
ITT Inc. Appoints New Board Members
- New Board Members: ITT Inc. has announced the election of Bertrand Loy and Kevin Wheeler to its Board of Directors, reflecting the company's disciplined approach to board refreshment aimed at enhancing capabilities aligned with strategic goals.
- Loy's Background: Bertrand Loy, former CEO of Entegris, Inc., brings extensive global manufacturing and supply chain leadership experience, with expertise in strategy, operational excellence, and capital allocation that will support ITT's portfolio and growth priorities.
- Wheeler's Experience: Kevin Wheeler, who led A. O. Smith Corporation as CEO, has a proven track record in building high-performing teams and expanding global businesses, providing valuable insights for ITT's execution rigor and growth strategy.
- Committee Appointments: The appointments of both directors will take effect on August 1, 2026, with Loy joining the Audit Committee and Wheeler the Nominating and Governance Committee, further enhancing the board's professionalism and governance capabilities.
See More
A. O. Smith Leadership Transition Announced
- Executive Retirement: A. O. Smith's Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire on July 1, marking a significant leadership change that is expected to impact the company's strategic direction and decision-making efficiency.
- New Chairman: Current President and CEO Stephen Shafer will assume the role of chairman immediately following Wheeler's retirement, further consolidating his leadership position within the company and facilitating more cohesive strategic execution.
- Leadership Consolidation: This transition occurs less than a year after Shafer took over as CEO in July 2025, reflecting the company's confidence in his leadership abilities, which may also influence investor sentiment regarding the company's future prospects.
- Board Membership: Despite his retirement, Wheeler will remain a member of the board, a move that helps ensure stability and continuity during the transition period, thereby mitigating potential management risks.
See More
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- Leadership Transition: A. O. Smith announced that CEO Stephen Shafer will succeed Kevin Wheeler as chairman effective July 1, aiming to ensure continuity and stability in corporate governance during this transition.
- CEO Background: Shafer has served as CEO since 2025 and joined A. O. Smith as COO in 2024, bringing extensive management experience from his previous roles at 3M Company across various business units, which will aid in driving the company's long-term strategy.
- Strategic Implications: This leadership change not only reflects the company's commitment to future growth but may also enhance A. O. Smith's competitive edge in the water technology sector through Shafer's industry experience and leadership capabilities.
- Retirement Context: Wheeler's retirement marks the end of an era for the company, while Shafer's succession is expected to inject new energy into the organization, likely fostering ongoing advancements in technology innovation and market expansion.
See More
A.O. Smith Chairman Kevin Wheeler to Retire, Stephen Shafer Elected as Successor
- Leadership Transition: A.O. Smith Corporation announced that Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire on July 1, with CEO Stephen Shafer elected as his successor, ensuring continuity and stability in governance.
- Strategic Leadership Continuity: Shafer, who has served as CEO since July 2025, will leverage his extensive experience from 3M and other firms to further enhance the company's strategic direction and operational efficiency, driving long-term value creation.
- Legacy of Leadership: Wheeler's over 30-year tenure at A.O. Smith saw the company expand its global footprint through multiple acquisitions and maintain strong operational performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his exceptional leadership.
- Future Commitment: Shafer pledges to continue driving innovation and customer service while reinforcing the company's mission, benefiting from Wheeler's guidance to maintain its leadership position in the global water technology sector.
See More
A. O. Smith Chairman Kevin Wheeler to Retire
- Leadership Transition: A. O. Smith Corporation announced that Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire on July 1, with CEO Stephen Shafer elected to succeed him as chairman, ensuring continuity and stability in leadership.
- Strategic Leadership: Shafer, who has been CEO since July 2025, will leverage his extensive experience from 3M and McKinsey to further enhance the company's strategic direction and operational efficiency, driving long-term value creation.
- Legacy Impact: Wheeler's over 30-year tenure at A. O. Smith saw the company expand its global footprint through multiple acquisitions and successfully navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, highlighting the profound impact of his leadership.
- Future Commitment: Shafer is committed to continuing innovation and customer service, reinforcing the company's mission, while Wheeler's ongoing support as a board member will provide valuable guidance for future growth.
See More
A.O. Smith to Release Q2 2026 Financial Results and Host Investor Call
- Earnings Release Schedule: A.O. Smith Corporation is set to announce its Q2 2026 financial results before the market opens on July 30, providing investors with insights into its latest financial health and operational performance.
- Investor Conference Call: Following the earnings release, the company will host an investor conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, allowing real-time engagement and transparency with investors.
- Replay Availability: After the call, an audio replay will be accessible on the company's website, ensuring that investors who cannot attend live can still obtain critical information, enhancing overall accessibility.
- Company Overview: Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, A.O. Smith is a global leader in manufacturing water heating equipment and boilers, committed to innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions, thereby reinforcing its market leadership.
See More
ITT Inc. Appoints New Board Members
- New Board Members: ITT Inc. has announced the election of Bertrand Loy and Kevin Wheeler to its Board of Directors, reflecting the company's disciplined approach to board refreshment aimed at enhancing capabilities aligned with strategic goals.
- Loy's Background: Bertrand Loy, former CEO of Entegris, Inc., brings extensive global manufacturing and supply chain leadership experience, with expertise in strategy, operational excellence, and capital allocation that will support ITT's portfolio and growth priorities.
- Wheeler's Experience: Kevin Wheeler, who led A. O. Smith Corporation as CEO, has a proven track record in building high-performing teams and expanding global businesses, providing valuable insights for ITT's execution rigor and growth strategy.
- Committee Appointments: The appointments of both directors will take effect on August 1, 2026, with Loy joining the Audit Committee and Wheeler the Nominating and Governance Committee, further enhancing the board's professionalism and governance capabilities.
See More
A. O. Smith Leadership Transition Announced
- Executive Retirement: A. O. Smith's Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire on July 1, marking a significant leadership change that is expected to impact the company's strategic direction and decision-making efficiency.
- New Chairman: Current President and CEO Stephen Shafer will assume the role of chairman immediately following Wheeler's retirement, further consolidating his leadership position within the company and facilitating more cohesive strategic execution.
- Leadership Consolidation: This transition occurs less than a year after Shafer took over as CEO in July 2025, reflecting the company's confidence in his leadership abilities, which may also influence investor sentiment regarding the company's future prospects.
- Board Membership: Despite his retirement, Wheeler will remain a member of the board, a move that helps ensure stability and continuity during the transition period, thereby mitigating potential management risks.
See More
A. O. Smith Appoints New Chairman
- Leadership Transition: A. O. Smith announced that CEO Stephen Shafer will succeed Kevin Wheeler as chairman effective July 1, aiming to ensure continuity and stability in corporate governance during this transition.
- CEO Background: Shafer has served as CEO since 2025 and joined A. O. Smith as COO in 2024, bringing extensive management experience from his previous roles at 3M Company across various business units, which will aid in driving the company's long-term strategy.
- Strategic Implications: This leadership change not only reflects the company's commitment to future growth but may also enhance A. O. Smith's competitive edge in the water technology sector through Shafer's industry experience and leadership capabilities.
- Retirement Context: Wheeler's retirement marks the end of an era for the company, while Shafer's succession is expected to inject new energy into the organization, likely fostering ongoing advancements in technology innovation and market expansion.
See More
A.O. Smith Chairman Kevin Wheeler to Retire, Stephen Shafer Elected as Successor
- Leadership Transition: A.O. Smith Corporation announced that Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire on July 1, with CEO Stephen Shafer elected as his successor, ensuring continuity and stability in governance.
- Strategic Leadership Continuity: Shafer, who has served as CEO since July 2025, will leverage his extensive experience from 3M and other firms to further enhance the company's strategic direction and operational efficiency, driving long-term value creation.
- Legacy of Leadership: Wheeler's over 30-year tenure at A.O. Smith saw the company expand its global footprint through multiple acquisitions and maintain strong operational performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his exceptional leadership.
- Future Commitment: Shafer pledges to continue driving innovation and customer service while reinforcing the company's mission, benefiting from Wheeler's guidance to maintain its leadership position in the global water technology sector.
See More
A. O. Smith Chairman Kevin Wheeler to Retire
- Leadership Transition: A. O. Smith Corporation announced that Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire on July 1, with CEO Stephen Shafer elected to succeed him as chairman, ensuring continuity and stability in leadership.
- Strategic Leadership: Shafer, who has been CEO since July 2025, will leverage his extensive experience from 3M and McKinsey to further enhance the company's strategic direction and operational efficiency, driving long-term value creation.
- Legacy Impact: Wheeler's over 30-year tenure at A. O. Smith saw the company expand its global footprint through multiple acquisitions and successfully navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, highlighting the profound impact of his leadership.
- Future Commitment: Shafer is committed to continuing innovation and customer service, reinforcing the company's mission, while Wheeler's ongoing support as a board member will provide valuable guidance for future growth.
See More
