Joe Ray (J.R.) Jones

JR Jones

2019

Joe Ray (J.R.) Jones

BSME ‘82

Executive Chairman

Rheem Manufacturing Company

JR Jones is the Executive Chairman for Rheem Manufacturing Company, a world leader in water heating and HVAC with manufacturing and distribution in North America, South America, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, China and Southeast Asia.

With over 35 years’ experience in general management, product planning, R&D, strategic leadership, product marketing, and international business management all within the HVAC, water heating and commercial refrigeration industries, JR directs Rheem’s leadership team toward achieving strategic goals that include developing innovative products; providing superior quality, service and value to customers; enhancing the culture of continuous improvement; reducing cost; and growing market share and stakeholder return.

JR’s diverse background also includes product development, research, design and marketing at Rheem Manufacturing Company, The Trane Company and Lennox International, Inc.

Previous key positions were: Vice President and General Manager, Refrigeration Division of Lennox International (2000-2002), President, Air Conditioning Division of Rheem Manufacturing Company (2002-2007) and Chief Operating Officer of Rheem Manufacturing Company (2007-2008).

Prior to being appointed Executive Chairman of Rheem Manufacturing Company, JR was the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (2008-2018).

JR earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1982. He was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Mechanical Engineering in 2003 and received the College of Engineering’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007. In addition, JR previously served on the Board of Directors of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).