A. O. Smith Corp. today announced Kevin J. Wheeler has been named president and chief operating officer.
In his new role, Wheeler will be responsible for A. O. Smith’s global water heater and boiler operations as well as its global water treatment business. He also will oversee the company’s research function including its Corporate Technology Center in Milwaukee as well as the information technology function. Wheeler will report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ajita G. Rajendra.
The $2.69 billion company has 20 manufacturing plants and 10 product engineering facilities around the world and employs about 15,500 people.
Since 2013, Wheeler has served as senior vice president, president and general manager of North America, India and Europe water heating, A. O. Smith’s largest operating unit.
“With his extensive experience, in-depth knowledge of our businesses and passionate interest in customer satisfaction, Kevin Wheeler is the ideal person to take on this challenging new assignment,” Rajendra said in making the announcement. “Under his leadership, our North American water heater business has achieved record sales and profitability.
“Kevin also brings extensive international experience and has been instrumental in growing that part of our business, first as managing director of our European operations, then leading our China business and subsequently the entry into the Indian market.