Hayward Holdings Appoints Industry Veteran Ron Keating to Board of Directors
Hayward Holdings, a leading global designer and manufacturer of pool equipment and water solutions, has announced the appointment of Ron Keating as its newest independent director. The appointment, which takes effect immediately, strengthens Hayward’s Board of Directors, bringing its total membership to ten, with nine of those members classified as independent. Keating’s vast experience in the water industry and leadership within global organizations makes him a strategic addition to the company as it continues to grow and evolve.
A Strategic Addition to the Hayward Board
The decision to appoint Keating aligns with Hayward’s broader strategy of leveraging industry expertise to drive operational efficiencies, enhance financial performance, and strengthen the company’s position in the competitive water solutions market. Hayward President, CEO, and Director Kevin Holleran emphasized the significance of Keating’s appointment, stating,
The appointment of Ron Keating to our Board lends direct global operational and financial expertise to Hayward, along with critical expertise in the water industry. Ron’s distinguished career and reputation as a decisive leader bring strategic and practical judgment as we continue to execute our growth strategies and deliver value to shareholders.”
Keating’s background as a senior executive and board member in multiple industry-leading companies makes him uniquely qualified to contribute to Hayward’s ongoing success. His expertise spans financial leadership, operational efficiency, and corporate strategy, all of which are essential for navigating today’s complex business landscape.
A Proven Leader in the Water Industry and Beyond
Ron Keating currently serves as the President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and board member of Excelitas Technologies Corp., a global industrial technology company that specializes in advanced solutions for sensing, detection, imaging, optics, and specialty illumination. His role at Excelitas has given him a broad perspective on the latest technological advancements and global business operations, which will be invaluable as Hayward continues to innovate and expand its market presence.
Before joining Excelitas, Keating had a highly successful tenure at Evoqua Water Technologies Corporation, where he served as President, CEO, and Director for nine years. Evoqua, a global provider of water and wastewater treatment solutions, thrived under his leadership. A key highlight of Keating’s tenure was taking Evoqua public in 2017, an accomplishment that solidified the company’s reputation as a leading force in the industry. In mid-2023, he played a pivotal role in leading Evoqua’s sale to Xylem (NYSE: XYL) at an impressive valuation of 25 times EBITDA, one of the highest multiples in the water industry.
Keating’s extensive experience in executive leadership extends beyond Evoqua. He previously served as President and CEO of Contech Engineered Solutions, an infrastructure site solutions provider, where he led strategic initiatives aimed at expanding the company’s market share and improving operational performance.
Board and Industry Contributions
Keating’s leadership extends beyond his executive roles. He currently sits on the board of publicly traded EnPro Industries, Inc., a diversified industrial technology company. His involvement in the governance of EnPro has provided him with valuable insights into corporate strategy, financial management, and shareholder value creation.
Additionally, Keating serves on the board of trustees for the Manufacturers Alliance, an organization formerly known as the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation. The organization focuses on fostering best practices, advancing manufacturing excellence, and supporting workforce development within the industrial sector. His participation in these initiatives underscores his commitment to improving industry standards and developing next-generation leaders in manufacturing and water technology.
Hayward Chairman’s Perspective
Stephen Felice, Chairman of Hayward Holdings, expressed strong confidence in Keating’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the Board, noting,
We welcome Ron to our outstanding Board. He brings extraordinary leadership, board experience, and valuable perspective in the areas of global competitiveness, macroeconomic trends, and workforce development in complex global business environments.”
Hayward operates in a highly dynamic industry where innovation, regulatory compliance, and market trends significantly impact business performance. Keating’s wealth of experience positions him well to offer insights into these areas, ensuring Hayward remains agile and well-prepared for future challenges.
Key Role in Hayward’s Compensation Committee
In addition to his general responsibilities as an independent director, Keating will also serve on Hayward’s Compensation Committee. This role will involve overseeing executive compensation, aligning leadership incentives with shareholder interests, and ensuring that the company’s compensation policies support its long-term strategic goals. Given Keating’s extensive leadership background and experience in publicly traded companies, he is expected to bring valuable insights into executive compensation structures and best practices.
Educational and Professional Background
Keating’s strong academic foundation further supports his business acumen. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, one of the world’s leading business schools. His MBA education has equipped him with strategic decision-making skills and financial expertise that have been instrumental throughout his career.
He also earned his undergraduate degree in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University, providing him with a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics, operational efficiency, and industrial markets. This combination of education and real-world leadership experience makes Keating a well-rounded executive with a broad skill set that aligns with Hayward’s business objectives.
Implications for Hayward’s Future
Keating’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Hayward Holdings. As the company continues to expand its global footprint and explore new market opportunities, having an experienced leader like Keating on the Board will provide strategic guidance and oversight. His deep understanding of global markets, corporate governance, and industry trends will help Hayward navigate economic fluctuations, regulatory challenges, and technological advancements in the water solutions sector.
Additionally, Keating’s expertise in mergers and acquisitions, as demonstrated by his leadership in Evoqua’s sale to Xylem, could be particularly beneficial to Hayward as it evaluates potential strategic partnerships and growth opportunities. His ability to drive value creation and execute complex business transactions will be instrumental in shaping Hayward’s long-term vision.
A Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
With a strong commitment to operational excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable growth, Hayward has continually positioned itself as a leader in the pool equipment and water solutions market. The appointment of Ron Keating reinforces the company’s dedication to strengthening its leadership team with top-tier industry experts. His wealth of experience in both the water industry and global business leadership will help propel Hayward toward continued success in the years to come.
As Hayward continues to build upon its legacy of innovation and customer-centric solutions, the addition of Keating to the Board underscores the company’s focus on strategic leadership and corporate governance excellence. His insights, strategic vision, and leadership experience will be invaluable as Hayward navigates the evolving landscape of the water solutions industry.
Ron Keating’s appointment as an independent director of Hayward Holdings is a significant milestone for the company. With a stellar track record in leadership, finance, and corporate governance, Keating is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Hayward’s future growth and success. His extensive experience in the water industry, coupled with his strategic acumen, makes him an ideal addition to the Board. As Hayward continues to innovate and expand, Keating’s expertise will play a crucial role in guiding the company toward achieving its long-term business objectives and maximizing shareholder value.
