A. O. Smith Hires Ming Cheng as Chief Technology Officer

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A. O. Smith (NYSE: AOS), a leader in water heating and water treatment, has appointed Ming Cheng as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, effective July 7, 2025. Cheng succeeds Bob Heideman, who will retire after serving the company since 1994.

Cheng joins from 3M Company, where he spent 25 years, most recently as Senior Vice President of Research and Development for the Transportation and Electronics Business Group. His experience includes leadership roles in global R&D, particularly in Greater China, and various technical positions. Cheng holds a BS in Chemistry from Peking University, a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from Cornell University, and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

To ensure a smooth transition, Heideman, who has been CTO since 2013, will remain with the company through September 1, 2025. During his tenure, Heideman played a crucial role in developing energy-efficient products including heat pump water heaters and water filtration systems.

["Incoming CTO Ming Cheng brings 25 years of global R&D experience from 3M", "Smooth leadership transition planned with current CTO staying through September 1", "New CTO has significant experience in both Asian and US markets"]

Bob Heideman to retire after 29 years with the company

MILWAUKEE, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS), a leader in water heating and water treatment, announced today that Ming Cheng, will become A. O. Smith's next senior vice president and chief technology officer. He replaces Bob Heideman, who has been with the company in different capacities since 1994. Cheng, who was most recently senior vice president of research and development for the Transportation and Electronics Business Group at 3M Company, will join A. O. Smith July 7. Heideman will stay on through Sept. 1, to ensure a smooth transition.

Ming Cheng joins A. O. Smith as CTO July 7.

Cheng has worked for 3M for the past 25 years. In his current role, he leads a global team focused on technology, product development, product engineering and application engineering. During his time at 3M, Cheng served as vice president of research and development in the Greater China area for four years. He also worked as vice president of research and development for the electronics materials solutions division, laboratory director, laboratory manager, business development supervisor and research specialist.

He received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Peking University in Beijing, China, a Doctoral Degree in polymer chemistry from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota.

"Ming is an experienced global R&D leader with a diverse background. I had the privilege of working with him for nearly 10 years at 3M and over that time developed a tremendous amount of respect for his leadership, business acumen and technical depth," said A. O. Smith Chief Executive Officer Steve Shafer. "His ability to drive innovation through complex business challenges will serve us well as we continue to grow as an organization. He appreciates our strong legacy and commitment to our values and understands the important role innovation plays in delivering long-term profitable growth."

Heideman was named senior vice president, engineering and technology in 2011, and chief technology officer in 2013, overseeing the company's research and engineering. He joined the company in 1994 as a project engineer at the Corporate Technology Center (CTC), the company's Milwaukee-based research and engineering facility. Over the years, he worked as a section manager for the Metallurgy and Prototyping Group, director of materials and processes at the CTC, and vice president of the CTC.

"Bob has been a guiding force throughout our product evolution – helping identify, advance and strengthen our position as a global water technology leader," said Shafer. "From heat pump water heaters to water filtration systems, Bob has led the development of some of the industry's most energy-efficient and top-performing products. We thank Bob for his dedication and steadfast commitment to A. O. Smith and our history of innovation."

About A. O. Smith
A. O. Smith Corporation, headquartered 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 CTO of A. O. Smith (NYSE: AOS)?

Ming Cheng has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of A. O. Smith, effective July 7, 2025.

What is Ming Cheng's background before joining A. O. Smith (AOS)?

Ming Cheng previously served as Senior Vice President of R&D for 3M's Transportation and Electronics Business Group, with 25 years of experience at 3M including leadership roles in Greater China.

When is Bob Heideman retiring from A. O. Smith?

Bob Heideman will retire from A. O. Smith on September 1, 2025, after 29 years with the company.

What are Ming Cheng's educational qualifications?

Ming Cheng holds a BS in Chemistry from Peking University, a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from Cornell University, and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

What were Bob Heideman's major achievements at A. O. Smith (AOS)?

As CTO, Bob Heideman led the development of energy-efficient products including heat pump water heaters and water filtration systems, helping establish A. O. Smith as a global water technology leader.