Hayward Holdings, Inc. HAYW

Company Overview

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HAYW) is a U.S.-based manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial pool equipment and related outdoor living technology products. The company operates primarily within the global swimming pool and outdoor environment industry, supplying products used in pool construction, renovation, maintenance, and automation. Hayward’s core product portfolio includes pool pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, sanitization systems, LED lighting, automation and control systems, and water features. The company generates the majority of its revenue from the residential pool market, with additional exposure to commercial pools and aftermarket replacement demand.

Hayward traces its origins to 1925 and evolved from a niche pool equipment supplier into a vertically integrated pool technology company through product expansion, engineering investment, and acquisitions. The company has positioned itself around energy-efficient and connected pool technologies, particularly variable-speed pumps and smart automation systems that align with tightening energy regulations and increasing consumer demand for digitally managed outdoor environments. Its installed equipment base and extensive distributor network provide recurring replacement and aftermarket revenue opportunities.

Business Operations

Hayward organizes its operations primarily around pool equipment categories serving residential and commercial customers. Its business includes products sold under major operating and product platforms such as Residential Pool, Commercial Pool, and connected automation offerings. Revenue is generated through the sale of new pool construction equipment, renovation and retrofit products, and recurring aftermarket replacement parts and maintenance-related products. A substantial portion of sales comes from replacement demand, which has historically provided some resilience compared with purely construction-driven businesses.

The company operates manufacturing, assembly, distribution, and engineering facilities across multiple regions, with operations in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and parts of Asia. Hayward maintains relationships with distributors, pool builders, retailers, and service professionals. The company controls a portfolio of proprietary technologies related to energy-efficient pumps, water sanitization, automation software, and connected pool management systems. Hayward has also expanded its smart-pool ecosystem through connected mobile applications and IoT-enabled equipment integration designed to improve monitoring, efficiency, and user convenience.

Strategic Position & Investments

Hayward’s strategic direction has focused on expanding its leadership in connected and energy-efficient pool technologies while increasing penetration of aftermarket and retrofit opportunities. The company has invested in variable-speed pump technology, automated pool control systems, and digitally connected products that support remote monitoring and energy optimization. These areas have become increasingly important due to regulatory standards in North America requiring greater energy efficiency in pool equipment.

The company has pursued selective acquisitions and technology integration initiatives to broaden its product portfolio and strengthen automation capabilities. Hayward has emphasized innovation in smart pool ecosystems, including app-based controls and integrated equipment platforms that connect pumps, heaters, lighting, and sanitization systems. Its strategy also includes international market expansion and operational efficiency improvements across manufacturing and supply chain operations. Public filings and investor materials indicate continued focus on margin expansion, aftermarket growth, and product innovation as key long-term priorities.

Geographic Footprint

Hayward is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and maintains a broad operational presence across North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and selected markets in Asia and the Middle East. The company derives a significant majority of its revenue from the United States, which remains the largest residential swimming pool market globally, though international operations contribute meaningful diversification.

The company supports customers through regional manufacturing, distribution, and sales infrastructure designed to serve local pool professionals and distributors efficiently. Hayward’s international operations include commercial and residential pool equipment sales in developed pool markets such as France, Spain, and Australia, while also pursuing growth opportunities in emerging regions with expanding residential construction and leisure infrastructure investment.

Leadership & Governance

Hayward operates under a corporate governance structure led by an executive leadership team and board of directors overseeing strategic growth, operational execution, and capital allocation. The company became publicly traded in 2021 following its initial public offering. Leadership has emphasized innovation, operational discipline, customer relationships, and expansion of connected and sustainable pool technologies as central themes in Hayward’s long-term strategy.

Key executives include:

• Kevin Holleran – President and Chief Executive Officer
• Eifion Jones – Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• John Collins – Senior Vice President, Global Operations
• Lance Milkie – Senior Vice President, North America Sales
• Jean-Michel Gillig – Senior Vice President and General Manager, Europe & Rest of World

The company’s leadership strategy has consistently emphasized strengthening Hayward’s installed equipment base, accelerating adoption of automation technologies, and maintaining leadership in energy-efficient pool systems through product development and channel partnerships.