AAON Executive Leadership Announcement

I am pleased to announce Doug Wichman is being promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager of the AAON Business Unit, effective Jan. 1, 2026. In that role, Doug will succeed longtime AAON- and industry-leader Stephen Wakefield, who is moving into an exclusive consultancy role as an AAON Fellow and Principal Engineering Advisor, also effective January 1st. 

In his new role, Doug will lead our teams responsible for translation of corporate objectives into strategic business plans, development and implementation of our product roadmaps, oversight of engineering and R&D for semi-custom HVAC solutions, and provision of technical support to channel partners and end-users. Doug also will collaborate with leaders in sales and operations on the marketing and sale of AAON systems, production of systems to meet customer demand, and procurement of materials and components needed for configurable systems. 
 
Doug started with AAON in 2012 as a production and manufacturing engineer based in Tulsa. He eventually became plant manager and director of manufacturing before relocating to Texas four years ago to lead AAON’s Longview facility. This past fall, Doug returned to Tulsa to work alongside Stephen as the vice president of business strategy and performance for the AAON Business Unit. 
 
Doug’s professional growth during the past 13 years epitomizes the opportunity our company provides for team members. With each new assignment, Doug has expanded his technical knowledge and his leadership abilities, making him the right person to succeed Stephen. All of us on the leadership team are thrilled Stephen has graciously agreed to serve as an ongoing consultant for our organization even while he enjoys more time with his family. 
 
“In my tenure with AAON I have had the privilege to learn, experience, and lead many facets of the business as well as many talented teams,” Doug said. “Collaboration, innovation, and a sense of fearlessness have been core to our success. The individuals within our organization exemplify industry-leading talent and fuel the trajectory we are on. Leveraging this talent, building collaborative relationships, and staying true to innovation will be key to our future.” 
 
That future will continue to be shaped by Stephen, who has been with AAON since 1999. In the years since, he has served in many roles, including chief operating officer, vice president of engineering, director of engineering, director of design and engineering operations, senior manager of research and development, and design engineering manager. Stephen will draw upon his more than 25 years of experience across all aspects of operations, engineering, and product design in his new role as principal engineering advisor. 
 
“AAON has long been defined by grit, great ideas, and the determination to push through challenges,” Stephen said. “The growth and evolution we’ve seen – especially in the past few years – are the product of those ingredients. Doug has those exact same qualities, and I look forward to continuing to support him and the entire AAON organization in the years ahead.” 
 
Sincerely,
Matt Tobolski, PhD
President & CEO

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