Pool Corporation Publicizes Leadership Transition

John B. Watwood appointed as President and CEO
Peter D. Arvan to step down as President, CEO and Director
John E. Stokely appointed as Executive Chair

COVINGTON, La., May 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pool Corporation (Nasdaq: POOL) (the “Company” or “POOLCORP”) introduced right now that its Board of Directors has appointed John B. Watwood as President and Chief Executive Officer, efficient May 4, 2026. Peter D. Arvan will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) on the identical date. John E. Stokely, Chair of the Board, has additionally been appointed as Executive Chair.

Mr. Watwood is a seasoned operational chief with greater than 20 years of expertise in industrial and specialty distribution, bringing strategic, operational, and gross sales experience to POOLCORP. He joined the Company as Executive Vice President in January 2026. Prior to his transition to POOLCORP, Mr. Watwood most just lately served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations at Motion Industries, a subsidiary of publicly traded Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), and a number one distributor of commercial elements and value-added options, the place he led progress and operational efficiency and strengthened buyer relationships throughout the enterprise. Earlier in his profession, he held positions at SMC Corporation of America and Applied Industrial Technologies.

“As POOLCORP continues to execute its strategic priorities, the Board believes now is the right time for this leadership transition,” mentioned Mr. Stokely. “Through our ongoing succession planning, the Board determined that Mr. Watwood has the right set of leadership, operational, and strategic skills and experience to lead the Company into its next phase of growth. During his tenure at POOLCORP, John quickly earned the respect of the entire organization and the Board. I am pleased to announce his appointment and look forward to continuing to work closely with him to ensure that POOLCORP delivers on our mission.”

Mr. Stokely continued, “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Pete for his tireless efforts over the last nine years, and we wish him continued success. Through a steadfast commitment to innovation and operational excellence, strengthened during Pete’s tenure, the Company is well positioned for long-term value creation.”

Mr. Watwood mentioned, “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this exceptional company and appreciate the Board’s trust and support. My priority will be building upon the strong foundation already in place to continue as the best worldwide distributor of outdoor lifestyle products. I am excited to continue working with the talented POOLCORP team as we execute our strategy and continue delivering the exceptional value and service that have long defined POOLCORP.”

“With all of our success, the greatest accomplishment has been the team we have amassed, from our leadership to our distribution network and every person in between. We have been, and will continue to be, recognized for our operational excellence and our culture of customer service that is executed with pride and passion. I value the relationships I formed with our employees, suppliers, investors, and customers. I have every confidence that POOLCORP will continue to grow, be better, and stronger, as I continue to cheer this team on from the sidelines,” commented Mr. Arvan.

Mr. Stokely has served on the Board since 2000, as Lead Independent Director since 2003, and as Chair of the Board since 2017. He will now function Executive Chair. Mr. Stokely, together with the total Board, will work intently with Mr. Watwood and POOLCORP’s management to proceed advancing the Company’s strategic priorities and delivering long-term shareholder returns.

Full-Year 2026 Guidance

The Company continues to count on its full-year 2026 outcomes to fall throughout the vary supplied in its first quarter earnings launch issued on April 23, 2026.

Previously Announced 2026 Investor Day

POOLCORP is suspending its Investor Day, beforehand scheduled for May 12, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. A brand new date will probably be introduced as quickly as it’s confirmed, and registered attendees will obtain direct notification.

About Pool Corporation

POOLCORP is the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and associated yard merchandise. POOLCORP operates roughly 455 gross sales facilities in North America, Europe and Australia, via which it distributes greater than 200,000 merchandise to roughly 125,000 wholesale clients. For extra details about POOLCORP, please go to www.poolcorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This information launch might embody “forward-looking” statements that contain danger and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements on this launch are made pursuant to the secure harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements converse solely as of the date of this launch, and we undertake no obligation to replace or revise such statements to replicate new circumstances or unanticipated occasions as they happen. Actual outcomes might differ materially as a consequence of a wide range of elements, together with the sensitivity of our enterprise to climate situations; modifications in financial situations, client discretionary spending, the housing market, inflation or rates of interest and different dangers detailed in POOLCORP’s 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-Ok, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and different reviews and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as up to date by POOLCORP’s subsequent filings with the SEC.

CONTACT:

Kristin S. Byars
Director, Investor Relations and Finance
985.801.5153
[email protected]