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MILWAUKEE – AO Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS), a global water technology company, today announced the appointment of Steven Schaefer as president and chief operating officer. Mr. Schaefer's role is effective immediately and he will oversee the company's worldwide business units, including operations, engineering and IT.
Schaefer brings a wealth of experience to AO Smith, having served in various leadership roles at 3M Company (NYSE:) since 2010, including his most recent role as President of the Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division. His career also includes strategic positions at McKinsey & Company and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:), where he focused on manufacturing, supply chains, and operational improvement.
Kevin Wheeler, Chairman and CEO of AO Smith, expressed confidence in Mr. Schaefer's ability to improve the company's performance and drive continued growth in sales and profitability. Mr. Wheeler highlighted Schaefer's strategic business acumen and global operational experience as key assets that contribute to the company's value creation for customers, employees and shareholders.
Following his appointment, Mr. Schaefer expressed his desire to join the AO Smith team and work to improve operational performance with a focus on innovation, safety and quality. He emphasized the importance of working closely with senior leadership to support the company's growth and success.
Schaefer's educational background includes an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern (NASDAQ:) University. He currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but he plans to relocate to the Milwaukee area.
Celebrating 150 years in business, AO Smith is known for applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to its products, which it manufactures and sells around the world. The company is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial water heating equipment, boilers, and water treatment products.
Information in this article is based on a press release from AO Smith Corporation.
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