PRESS RELEASE
Tulsa OK, February 20, 2025 — AAON, Inc., a provider of high-performance, energy-efficient HVAC solutions, announced that its board of directors appointed Matt J. Tobolski, PhD, as CEO, effective as of the company's annual shareholders' meeting on May 13. Tobolski will succeed Gary Fields, who will remain a member of the board of directors and serve as a special advisor to the board to help ensure a smooth transition.
Tobolski, currently serving as president and COO of the company, will assume the CEO role as AAON continues to strengthen its market position through significant investments in data center cooling production capacity, positioning the Company for sustained growth. He brings extensive leadership experience and robust understanding of the engineering and manufacturing of HVAC systems, particularly in the data center thermal management market. Tobolski previously served as president of BASX Solutions, a company he co-founded in 2013 that AAON acquired in December 2021.
"The Board identified Matt as uniquely suited to lead AAON in its next chapter of growth," said A.H. "Chip" McElroy II, independent chair of the board of directors. "We expect this will be a seamless process, especially in light of Matt's leadership that we have witnessed over the past three years. As Gary was the right leader at the right time, so too is Matt. He has the vision, talent, drive, and skills to leverage the entire enterprise into a pattern of growth that will serve AAON and its customers for years to come."
"It is an honor to be appointed CEO of AAON. I am excited to take on the challenge of leading the Company into its next phase of growth," Tobolski said. "By leveraging the innovative spirit and highly talented engineering resources of both AAON and BASX, we are well-positioned to grow the Company's prominence in the industry. As we enter this evolutionary phase, I look forward to strengthening relationships and continuing to deliver industry-leading solutions."
"I am thankful for the opportunity to have led AAON these past few years," said Fields. "I am confident that the executive leadership team, led by Matt, will take the company to the next level. While I am transitioning out of the CEO role, I am not retiring. I will remain involved as a mentor and advisor to ensure a seamless transition and support the Company as it continues to evolve."
Fields and Tobolski will work in tandem over the next three months as Tobolski prepares to assume the CEO role and position AAON for long-term growth and success.
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