AAON, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance HVAC systems, has announced the promotion of Doug Wichman to executive vice president and general manager of its AAON Business Unit, effective January 1, 2026.
Wichman will oversee strategic business planning, product roadmap development, engineering and R&D for semi-custom HVAC systems, and technical support services. He will also work with sales and operations teams on system marketing, production, and procurement activities.
He succeeds Stephen Wakefield, who will transition into a consultancy role as an AAON Fellow and principal engineering advisor on the same date.
Wichman joined AAON in 2012 as a production and manufacturing engineer in Tulsa and has since held roles including plant manager and director of manufacturing. He most recently served as vice president of business strategy and performance, returning to Tulsa in fall 2025 after leading the company's Longview, Texas facility.
"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," said Wichman. "Leveraging this talent, building collaborative relationships, and staying true to innovation will be key to our future."
Wakefield, who brings over 25 years of experience in operations, engineering, and product design, will continue to support the company in his advisory role.
