Hayward's Bold Move: Ron Keating Joins the Board

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate governance, Hayward Holdings, Inc. has made a strategic move that could redefine its trajectory in the water technology sector. The appointment of Ron Keating as an independent director to the Hayward Board of Directors is a bold step that brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Keating's extensive background in the water industry and global operational prowess is set to enhance Hayward's strategic growth and competitive edge in the market.

Keating's journey is a testament to his leadership and strategic acumen. He has served as the president, CEO, and a director of Evoqua Water Technologies Corporation for nine years, where he successfully took the company public in 2017 and led its sale to Xylem in mid-2023 at a market-topping purchase price of 25x EBITDA. This experience showcases his ability to navigate complex global business environments and execute successful growth strategies. His tenure at Contech Engineered Solutions, an infrastructure site solutions provider, further highlights his expertise in global operations and financial management. Currently, Keating serves as the president, CEO, and board member of Excelitas Technologies Corp., where he continues to drive growth and deliver value to shareholders.

The appointment of Keating to Hayward's Board of Directors is a strategic move that brings direct global operational and financial expertise to the company, along with critical expertise in the water industry. This expertise is expected to enhance Hayward's ability to execute its growth strategies and deliver value to shareholders. As Kevin Holleran, Hayward President, CEO, and Director, stated, "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."

Keating's leadership and board experience can bring several specific contributions to Hayward's current and future projects, particularly in the areas of global competitiveness and macroeconomic trends. His extensive experience in leading global companies, such as Evoqua Water Technologies Corporation and Excelitas Technologies Corp., provides him with a deep understanding of global operations and financial management. This expertise will be invaluable in helping Hayward navigate the complexities of international markets and optimize its global operations.

Keating's track record of leading successful acquisitions and sales, such as the sale of Evoqua to Xylem at a market-topping purchase price of 25x EBITDA, demonstrates his strategic judgment and ability to execute growth strategies. This experience will be crucial in helping Hayward identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities for growth and expansion. As Holleran noted, "Ron’s distinguished career and reputation as a decisive leader brings strategic and practical judgment as we continue to execute our growth strategies and deliver value to shareholders."

Keating's experience in various industries, including water treatment, industrial technology, and infrastructure solutions, has given him a broad perspective on macroeconomic trends. This understanding will enable him to provide valuable insights into how global economic conditions may impact Hayward's business and help the company adapt its strategies accordingly. As Stephen Felice, Hayward Chairman, commented, "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."

Keating's experience serving on the boards of publicly-traded companies, such as EnPro Industries, Inc., and the Manufacturers Alliance, has given him a deep understanding of corporate governance and board dynamics. This experience will be invaluable in helping Hayward navigate the complexities of board-level decision-making and ensure that the company's strategies are aligned with the interests of its shareholders. As Felice noted, "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."



In conclusion, the appointment of Ron Keating to Hayward's Board of Directors is a strategic move that brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the company. Keating's leadership and board experience will be invaluable in helping Hayward navigate the complexities of global operations, macroeconomic trends, and corporate governance. As Hayward continues to execute its growth strategies and deliver value to shareholders, Keating's contributions will be crucial in enhancing the company's competitive edge in the market.