CEO of A. O. Smith to motor away

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 11 Oct 2005 21:04

Electric-motor manufacturer A. O. Smith Corporation announced today that Robert J. O'Toole has decided to retire as chairman and chief executive officer at the end of the year, after 42 years with the company.

O'Toole has been chairman and chief executive officer of the Milwaukee-based manufacturer since 1992. After his retirement, he will continue to serve on the A. O. Smith board of directors.

The board also announced that Paul W. Jones will be his successor as chairman and chief executive officer. Jones is currently president and chief operating officer.

"Bob's leadership throughout the years has been instrumental to A. O. Smith's success," said Ronald D. Brown, lead director for A. O. Smith Corporation. "He played the leading role in establishing the two operating platforms which A. O. Smith has in place today. He has also been the driving force in establishing A. O. Smith's global manufacturing presence throughout the world."

O’Toole’s successor, Paul W. Jones, joined A. O. Smith in January 2004 as president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining A. O. Smith, Jones served as chairman and chief executive officer of US Can Company. The first 18 years of Jones's career were spent with General Electric.

A. O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, is one of North America's largest manufacturers of electric motors, as well as one of North America's largest manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment. The company employs approximately 16,500 people worldwide.

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