A. O. Smith Announces Chris Howe as Chief Digital Information Officer to Drive Technological Innovation
A. O. Smith Corporation, renowned for its expertise in water heating and treatment solutions, has made a significant move by appointing Chris Howe as its new Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO). He takes over from Melissa Scheppele, who previously held the Chief Information Officer role. This shift marks a strategic change as A. O. Smith aims to enhance its digital capabilities and drive innovation throughout the organization.
Chris Howe comes to A. O. Smith with a robust background, having recently served as CEO and co-founder of Rise and Shift, a consulting firm specializing in cloud transformation and Generative AI. His experience at 3M, where he held various leadership positions for over 25 years, has equipped him with invaluable knowledge and skills essential for his new role. Notably, Christie Howe spearheaded technology advancements at 3M, focusing on business transformation and global IT applications.
The decision to rebrand the CIO position to CDIO was intentional, signaling A. O. Smith's commitment to finding a leader with the right blend of operational oversight and visionary thinking. In his new role, Howe will not only maintain existing technology operations but will also lead initiatives aimed at driving digital innovation and implementing advanced technologies across the company.
Steve Shafer, President and CEO of A. O. Smith, emphasized the significance of this appointment, stating, "Chris is the transformational leader we need to leverage the technologies we have invested in today and help us invest in new technologies of the future to drive greater value realization."
Howe's mandate includes overseeing comprehensive digital transformation initiatives, enhancing the adoption of emerging technologies, and developing new digital strategies that align with A. O. Smith's overall business objectives. His leadership will also encompass the integration of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, all while fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within the organization.
Since establishing Rise and Shift in 2023, Howe has been at the forefront of harnessing Generative AI solutions. His efforts have resulted in the commercialization of a widget-based GenAI platform designed to streamline compliance processes and reduce time-to-market in heavily regulated industries. Additionally, Howe has collaborated with clients on Agentic AI transformation solutions, positioning himself as a thought leader in the intersection of technology and business.
His collaboration with major tech partners such as Amazon Web Services has been instrumental in delivering numerous cloud transformation projects worldwide. One notable achievement includes developing a cloud-native digital manufacturing solution for a prominent global food company.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Howe is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as providing essential humanitarian aid during the catastrophic cyclone in Bangladesh as part of Operation "Sea Angel."
A. O. Smith Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stands as a global leader in innovative technology solutions, particularly in energy-efficient water heating and treatment products. As a publicly traded entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AOS, the company continues to pioneer advancements in both residential and commercial sectors by integrating cutting-edge technology into their products. For additional information regarding A. O. Smith and their offerings, please visit their official website at www.aosmith.com.