Pool Corporation names John Watwood as new president and CEO

Pool Corporation (NASDAQ: POOL) announced that John B. Watwood has been appointed president and chief executive officer, effective May 4, 2026. Peter D. Arvan stepped down from his roles as president, CEO and board director on the same date.

The company also appointed John E. Stokely as executive chair. Stokely has served on the board since 2000 and as chair since 2017.

Watwood joined Pool Corporation as executive vice president in January 2026. He brings more than two decades of experience in industrial and specialty distribution, most recently serving as senior vice president of sales and operations at Motion Industries, a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC).

"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," said Stokely.

Arvan served as CEO for nine years. "I have every confidence that POOLCORP will continue to grow, be better, and stronger," Arvan said in a statement.

The company maintained its full-year 2026 financial guidance provided in its first quarter earnings release issued on April 23, 2026. Pool Corporation postponed its investor day, previously scheduled for May 12, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, with a new date to be announced.

Pool Corporation operates approximately 455 sales centers in North America, Europe and Australia, distributing more than 200,000 products to roughly 125,000 wholesale customers.

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