OKRs Improve Focus and Adaptability in All Market Conditions

Stephen Shafer
President and CEO, A.O. Smith

Stephen Shafer was named President and CEO of A. O. Smith Corporation on July 1, 2025. He has responsibility for the company’s global operations, as well as strategy development and implementation, profitability and shareholder return.

Steve joined A. O. Smith as President and Chief Operating Officer in March 2024 to lead the company’s global business units, including operations, supply chain, corporate technology and information technology.

Before joining A. O. Smith, Steve was president of the Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division for 3M Company. Prior to 3M, Steve was a consultant at McKinsey & Company advising industrial businesses on strategy and operational improvement and held a number of operational roles at Ford Motor Company and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Steve is a member of WorkBoard's Executive Advisory Board. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.