A. O. Smith Corporation has announced the appointment of Paul J. Jones as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer, effective October 1, 2025. In this capacity, Jones will oversee the company’s legal, compliance, and intellectual property operations on a global level, reinforcing the corporation’s commitment to robust governance and ethical practices.
Paul Jones joined A. O. Smith in 2023 as Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy, where he quickly became recognized for his leadership, strategic vision, and alignment with the company’s core values. His promotion reflects the company’s ongoing effort to strengthen its executive leadership team amid its global expansion in water heating and water treatment solutions.
Operational Details
In his new role, Jones will direct the legal, compliance, and intellectual property functions across A. O. Smith’s global operations. With nearly three decades of legal expertise and over 17 years serving as a general counsel, he brings deep experience in navigating complex regulatory environments and guiding organizations through strategic transitions.
Career Background
Before joining A. O. Smith, Jones held senior legal leadership roles at several prominent organizations. He served as General Counsel at Regal-Beloit Corp., Harley-Davidson Inc., and Marquette University. His diverse experience across corporate, manufacturing, and academic sectors uniquely positions him to provide comprehensive oversight and ensure alignment between compliance and strategic growth initiatives.
Strategic Significance
The appointment emphasizes A. O. Smith’s commitment to governance, compliance, and ethical business conduct. With Jones at the helm of its legal and compliance functions, the company aims to ensure that its innovation in sustainable water technologies is guided by strong corporate responsibility and a forward-looking compliance strategy.
