US manufacturer AO Smith has promoted Shawn Schmonsky to vice president for human resources for its water heaters businesses in North America, India and Europe.

Schmonsky joined the firm in 2006 as HR manager of the company’s Ashland City, Tennessee plant. Since 2012, he has served as director of HR, responsible for North American manufacturing operations and product engineering.

In his new role, Schmonsky will be responsible for domestic and international HR, including strategy development/deployment, talent management, workforce planning, total compensation, employee/labour relations, performance management and organisational development.

He succeeds Jane Sanford, who retired on 1 March after spending nearly 13 years with the company.