AOS News & Events

ITT (ITT) announced the election of Bertrand Loy and Kevin Wheeler to its board of directors. The appointments are effective as of August 1. The board also appointed Loy to the audit committee and Wheeler to the nominating and governance committee, in each case effective August 1. Loy is executive chairman and former CEO of Entegris (ENTG). Wheeler is executive chairman and former CEO of A. O. Smith (AOS).

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."

The company states: "On June 22, 2026, A. O. Smith Corporation issued a news release announcing that, effective July 1, 2026, Kevin J. Wheeler will retire as Executive Chairman of the Company. Mr. Wheeler will remain a member of the Board of Directors. Effective at the time of Mr.Wheeler's retirement as Executive Chairman, Stephen M. Shafer will assume the role of Chairman of the Company. Mr. Shafer currently serves and will continue to serve as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director. Mr. Shafer joined the Company as President and Chief Operating Officer in March of 2024. He was named President and Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2025, and was elected a director of the Company on that same day."