10:32 AM EDT, 07/01/2025 (MT Newswires) -- A. O. Smith ( AOS ) said Tuesday it has appointed Ming Cheng as its next chief technology officer. Cheng will join the company on July 7.

Cheng succeeds Bob Heideman, who is retiring after 29 years with the company, A. O. Smith ( AOS ) said.

Cheng was most recently senior vice president of research and development for the transportation and electronics business group at 3M ( MMM ) , the company said.

Heideman will stay on through Sept. 1 to support the transition, A. O. Smith ( AOS ) said.

A. O. Smith ( AOS ) shares were rising 1.7% in recent trading.

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