Leslie's Poolmart CEO to retire

The chief executive of the nation's largest specialty retailer of swimming pool and spa supplies and related products is stepping down.



Leslie's announced that chairman and CEO Lawrence Hayward will be retiring and transitioning from his role as CEO, effective September 30, 2017. He will continue to serve as chairman.



As part of the company's long-term succession plan, Steven L. Ortega, president and COO will succeed Hayward and assume the additional role of CEO, effective October 1, 2017.



Ortega joined Leslie's as CFO in 2005 and has served in his present role since 2015. His career spans 35 years in the retail industry which included a 16-year career at American Stores Company and seven years as executive VP and CFO of BI-LO Supermarkets.



Leslie's markets its products through over 900 retail store and commercial service locations in 35 states, a nationwide mail-order catalog and several internet e-commerce sites, including In The Swim. It is based in Phoenix, Arizona.