MILWAUKEE - A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS), a global water technology firm, today announced the appointment of Stephen Shafer as its president and chief operating officer. Shafer's role will be effective immediately, overseeing the company's worldwide business units, which include operations, engineering, and IT.
Shafer brings a wealth of experience to A. O. Smith, having held various leadership roles at 3M Company (NYSE:MMM) since 2010, including his most recent position as president of the Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division. His background also includes strategic positions at McKinsey & Company and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), where he focused on manufacturing, supply chain, and operational improvement.
Kevin Wheeler, chairman and CEO of A. O. Smith, expressed confidence in Shafer's ability to drive enhanced performance and continued growth in sales and profitability for the company. Wheeler highlighted Shafer's strategic business acumen and global operational experience as key assets that will contribute to the company's value creation for customers, employees, and shareholders.
In response to his appointment, Shafer expressed eagerness to join the A. O. Smith team and to work on improving operating performance while maintaining a strong focus on innovation, safety, and quality. He emphasized the importance of working closely with senior leaders to support the company's growth and success.
Shafer's educational qualifications include an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern (NASDAQ:NWE) University. He currently resides in Minneapolis, MN, and plans to relocate to the Milwaukee area.
A. O. Smith, celebrating its 150th year in business, is recognized for applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to its products, which are manufactured and marketed globally. The company is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial water heating equipment, boilers, and water treatment products.
The information in this article is based on a press release statement from A. O. Smith Corporation.
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