Paul W. Jones has been a key figure at A. O. Smith Corporation, serving as CEO and later as Executive Chairman. He led the company through significant times, notably transitioning from CEO to Executive Chairman as part of a planned...

Paul W. Jones has been a key figure at A. O. Smith Corporation, serving as CEO and later as Executive Chairman. He led the company through significant times, notably transitioning from CEO to Executive Chairman as part of a planned leadership change. His tenure saw A. O. Smith maintain strong financial performance, often exceeding return on equity targets that directly influenced his compensation and bonuses. Paul was awarded a bonus of $1.25 million for achieving a 121.9% target in 2012 alone. His commitment to aligning executive compensation with company performance helped shape a culture of accountability and results. Interestingly, in the world of insider trading, Paul’s ownership levels varied significantly, reaching a high of around $20 million just months before his retirement announcement. He has a rich background in leadership roles not just at A. O. Smith, but also at U.S. Can Company and Greenfield Industries. After retiring, he continued to influence the company as a board member, reflecting his long-term commitment to the organization and its strategic direction.