A. O. Smith Announces Leadership Changes, Including New General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

A. O. Smith (NYSE: AOS) announced key leadership changes effective October 1, 2025. Paul Jones will be promoted to senior vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer, while Jim Stern will transition to executive vice president corporate development, strategy and secretary.

Jones, who joined A. O. Smith in 2023, brings 28 years of legal experience and will oversee the company's legal, compliance, and intellectual property activities globally. Stern, who has been with the company since 2007, will focus on corporate development, strategy, and maintain responsibility for government, industry, and regulatory affairs.

Positive

• Smooth leadership transition with internal promotion
• New general counsel brings 28 years of legal experience
• Retention of experienced executive Jim Stern in strategic role

Negative

• None.

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS), a leader in water heating and water treatment, announces the appointment of Paul Jones to the role of senior vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer, effective Oct. 1, 2025. Jim Stern, A. O. Smith's executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, will transition to executive vice president corporate development, strategy and secretary. Jones and Stern will both report to CEO Steve Shafer.

These executive changes demonstrate a planful leadership transition at A. O. Smith.

Jones will oversee the company's legal, compliance and intellectual property activities globally. He moves to this role after joining A. O. Smith in 2023 as vice president of corporate development and strategy. Stern will focus on corporate development and strategy, while also maintaining responsibility for government, industry and regulatory affairs. He will also continue his role as secretary for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition of this responsibility.

"I'm pleased to announce these executive changes that demonstrate a planful leadership transition at A. O. Smith," said Shafer. "Paul is an accomplished leader with 28 years of legal experience, including more than 17 years in the role of general counsel during his career. Since joining the company in 2023, Paul has demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity and a strong commitment to our values."

Stern and Jones were both partners at Foley & Lardner in Milwaukee earlier in their careers. After leaving the firm, Jones went on to lead the legal teams at Regal-Beloit Corp., Harley-Davidson Inc., and Marquette University before joining A. O. Smith. Stern has been general counsel at A. O. Smith since joining in 2007.

"As we shape the future direction of our organization, I'm thrilled to have Jim move into this new role, leading our portfolio transformation strategic priority," said Shafer. "Throughout his 18 years at A. O. Smith, Jim has played a pivotal role in helping shape our success, consistently bringing vision, dedication and a deep understanding of our businesses. With this transition, Jim will focus heavily on driving the strategic direction of our company, positioning us for long-term profitable growth."

About A. O. Smith Corporation
A. O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AOS), the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products. For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.

 

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SOURCE A. O. Smith Corporation

FAQ

Who is the new general counsel of A. O. Smith (NYSE: AOS)?

Paul Jones will become senior vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer of A. O. Smith, effective October 1, 2025.

What is Jim Stern's new role at A. O. Smith (AOS)?

Jim Stern is transitioning to executive vice president corporate development, strategy and secretary, focusing on corporate development and strategy while maintaining responsibility for government, industry and regulatory affairs.

What is Paul Jones' background before joining A. O. Smith?

Paul Jones was previously a partner at Foley & Lardner and led legal teams at Regal-Beloit Corp., Harley-Davidson Inc., and Marquette University before joining A. O. Smith in 2023.

How long has Jim Stern been with A. O. Smith (AOS)?

Jim Stern has been with A. O. Smith for 18 years, joining as general counsel in 2007.

Who will Paul Jones and Jim Stern report to at A. O. Smith?

Both Paul Jones and Jim Stern will report to CEO Steve Shafer.