Executive Chairman of the Board, A. O. Smith
Search every verified Kevin Wheeler interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Kevin Wheeler, Executive Chairman of the Board at A O Smith, participated in the company's fourth quarter 2024 earnings call on January 28, 2025. During the call, he discussed the company's strategic focus on direct-to-consumer, dealer, and wholesale businesses, while de-emphasizing the retail side. Wheeler described water treatment as a growth engine for the company, citing favorable mega trends in the space, though he noted that the company's double-digit growth expectations may take time to materialize as it evolves its approach. He also mentioned that acquisitions remain a focus to accelerate growth in this area. Wheeler stated that the company estimates 2025 capital expenditures will be between $90 million and $100 million, with expected free cash flow of $500 million to $550 million. He also said that A O Smith believes its customers enter 2025 with water heater inventories in a normal to lean position, while noting that the company was carrying slightly higher inventories due to lighter-than-expected volume in the final quarter of 2024. He outlined a goal to reduce overall days on hand—combining receivables, inventory, and payables—to below 40 days by the end of 2025.
A. O. Smith is celebrating 150 years of innovation in water heating and treatment. CEO Kevin Wheeler tells Judy Shaw what this milestone means to employees and customers and shares his career highlights on #NYSEFloorTalk.
Milwaukeans quickly recognize the name A. O. Smith but not all know that this historic Milwaukee brand is one of the world’s leading providers of water heating and water treatment solutions for 150 years. This week in Memorial Hall,, Chairman and CEO of A.O. Smith, Kevin Wheeler, provided a snapshot of their 150 year history, and shared how they are continually developing state-of-the-art solutions to push new boundaries and pave the way in their industry.
Kevin Wheeler is the Chairman, President & CEO of A.O. Smith Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heaters and boilers. Wheeler joined A.O. Smith in 1994 as a regional sales manager, and throughout his career has overseen operations in North America, China, India and Europe. Wheeler is a member of the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity & Innovation (MAPI) Division Leadership Council.
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