A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS) announced that Kevin J. Wheeler will retire as Executive Chairman effective July 1, 2026, while remaining a member of the company's Board of Directors.

Stephen M. Shafer, the company's current President and Chief Executive Officer, will assume the role of Chairman upon Wheeler's retirement. Shafer will continue to serve as President and CEO and as a director.

Shafer joined A. O. Smith in March 2024 as President and Chief Operating Officer. He was named President and CEO on July 1, 2025, and was elected to the board on the same day.