Chairman and CEO
A.O. Smith Corp. | Milwaukee
Kevin Wheeler assumed the role of chairman of the board of directors at A.O. Smith Corp. in 2020 and has been chief executive officer of the Milwaukee-based water technology company since 2018. In his roles, he oversees the company’s global operations, including strategy development, profitability and shareholder returns. The company has grown through acquisition in recent years, including its acquisition of New Delhi, India-based Pureit for about $120 million and California-based Impact Water Solutions for an undisclosed price, both in 2024. A.O. Smith currently has 12,200 employees and reports $3.8 billion in revenue.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Nevada-Reno; Advanced Management Program at Harvard University
One decision to do over: “Early in my career, I worked for a company that didn’t respect its employees or customers. I vowed to never let that happen again. Company culture and values matter.”
Historical figure you look up to: “Ronald Reagan. He was consistently underestimated and always overachieved. He was one of the greatest communicators and leaders.”
Traits you seek for new hires: “Integrity, competitive spirit, self-motivating, communication skills and intelligence.”
What would you do if you could choose another career: “Football coach.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Manufacturing
Chairman, president and CEO
A.O. Smith Corp. | Milwaukee
Since joining A.O. Smith Corp. in 1994 as a regional sales manager, Kevin Wheeler has risen through its ranks to now serve as chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Milwaukee-based water heater and boiler manufacturer. With over 12,000 employees across its global operations and 125 located at its Milwaukee headquarters, A.O. Smith is among the largest employers in the state. It also continues to grow, having completed five acquisitions since 2016 to expand its North American water treatment business.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Nevada, Reno; Advanced Management Program at Harvard University
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“Bank management trainee. I met my future wife.”
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“Lake Tahoe and anywhere in Italy.”
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
“‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ (by Stephen Covey). Achieving success starts with the fundamentals and helps build that foundation that everyone needs.”
What’s your hobby/passion?
“Golf, cycling, reading and live sports.”
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
“Eddie Martini’s, a thick filet with a great glass of cabernet.”
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“Ford Pinto. Much, much longer than I wanted (8 years).”
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“The COVID-19 pandemic transcended all traditional business challenges. Our entire company had to take collaboration, problem-solving and business agility to a new level.”
What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Start as broad as possible, and don’t narrow your job focus too early. Embrace each opportunity and strive for excellence no matter what the task.”
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“The roads.”
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
“Taking a 5-year ex-pat assignment and moving my family to Europe.”
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“Cage diving with great white sharks in Australia.”
