AAON Elevates Doug Wichman to Executive Vice President and General Manager Position

AAON Promotes Doug Wichman to EVP and General Manager

In a significant move for the HVAC industry, AAON, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAON), a prominent player in energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions, has confirmed the promotion of Doug Wichman to Executive Vice President and General Manager of its AAON Business Unit. This transition will take effect on January 1, 2026, as the company continues to solidify its leadership in the market.

Wichman will bear crucial responsibilities including translating corporate objectives into actionable strategic plans, developing product roadmaps, and overseeing engineering and research and development initiatives for semi-custom HVAC solutions. Additionally, he will provide vital technical support to channel partners and end-users, positioning AAON for further innovation and success.

Taking over from Stephen Wakefield, a long-standing leader within the company, Wichman’s ascent is seen as a natural progression within AAON’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. Wakefield will transition to an exclusive consultancy role, maintaining his influence in shaping the engineering strategies of the company as an AAON Fellow and principal engineering advisor.

Matt Tobolski, President and CEO of AAON, voiced enthusiasm for Wichman's promotion. “Doug's progress over the past 13 years highlights the opportunities our company provides for growth. His increasing technical knowledge and leadership make him the right choice to take on this significant role as we continue to advance in our industry,” he stated.

Wichman began his career at AAON in 2012 as a production and manufacturing engineer located in Tulsa. He later climbed the ranks to become plant manager and director of manufacturing, eventually relocating to Texas to lead the company's Longview facility. In the recent fall, he returned to Tulsa to work alongside Wakefield as Vice President of Business Strategy and Performance in the AAON Business Unit.

Reflecting on his journey with the company, Wichman remarked, “Throughout my time here, I have had the opportunity to learn and lead numerous aspects of the business alongside incredibly talented teams. Our achievements stem from collaboration, innovation, and a fearless attitude.” He emphasizes that leveraging the exceptional talent within the organization will be pivotal as the company navigates towards its future endeavors.

Wakefield, who has played a crucial role in AAON for over 25 years, expressed confidence in Wichman’s capabilities. “AAON has always thrived on determination and innovative ideas, especially over the last few years. Doug embodies the same qualities, and I am excited to support him and the AAON team in the years ahead,” he shared.

Founded in 1988, AAON has established itself as a global leader in HVAC solutions tailored for commercial and industrial settings. The company's pioneering approach to designing and manufacturing highly configurable equipment is instrumental in creating a superior ownership experience characterized by efficiency, performance, and long-term value. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, AAON boasts a world-class innovation center and testing facility that empowers its engineers to push boundaries in the industry.

For more details about AAON and its commitment to excellence in HVAC solutions, visit www.aaon.com.