Former CEO of Eddie Bauer to head up Leslie’s Poolmart

Leslie's Poolmart’s has tapped a veteran apparel retailer as its new chief executive.

The nation’s largest retailer of pool and spa products and services appointed Michael R. Egeck as CEO, effective Feb. 4. He succeeds Steven L. Ortega, who is transitioning to the role of executive chairman of the company. 

Egeck most recently served as the CEO of PSEB Group, a $1.5 billion operating company composed of the Eddie Bauer outdoor brand and teen retailer Pacsun. Before the formation of PSEB in 2018, he had served as CEO of Eddie Bauer since 2012. 

Egeck was previously CEO of Hurley International, a division of Nike, and prior to joining Hurley International, was president of True Religion Apparel from June 2010 to September 2011. From 2007 to 2009, he was President of VF Corp's contemporary brand coalition, and was CEO of Seven For All Mankind from 2006 to 2007, prior to its acquisition by VF Corp. 

Egeck was with VF Corp. from 2000 – 2006 where he was responsible for building and leading a portfolio of brands. He was named president of The North Face in 2000 and in 2004, in conjunction with the acquisition of Vans, he was named president of the Outdoor and Action Sports Coalition.

"Mike is a well-known and highly respected leader who brings significant multi-channel and multi-site experience as well as a proven track record of transforming businesses into next-generation brands,” said Marc Magliacano, managing partner of majority shareholder L Catterton and a Leslie's director. “His leadership and expertise will enable Leslie's to strengthen its position at the forefront of the pool and spa category as the Company embarks on a new chapter using more tech-enabled solutions to deliver exceptional value and convenience to its consumers. “

Leslie's operates over 930 store locations and commercial service centers, six distribution centers in 37 states, and several proprietary e-commerce sites.