Leslie?s, Inc. announced that Steven L. Ortega, Chairman of the Board of Directors, has decided not to seek reelection at Leslie?s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in March 2024, marking his retirement from the Board at that time. Mr. Ortega?s retirement follows a tenure with the Company of nearly two decades, during which he played a key role driving Leslie?s growth and building its reputation as one of the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brands in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. Mr. Ortega joined Leslie?s in 2005 and served in roles of increasing responsibility, including as Chief Executive Officer and President from 2017 to 2020.

He has served as Chairman of the Board since 2020 and has overseen numerous transformational business changes during his career. Leslie?s announced that James Ray, Jr., Lead Independent Director, has also stepped down from Leslie?s Board, effective December 18, 2023. The announcement comes as Mr. Ray re-assesses his board commitments given his recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer of a publicly traded company.

In light of these changes, Board member John Strain has been appointed Lead Independent Director effective immediately and named Chairman-elect in advance of the Company?s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Mr. Strain joined the Leslie?s Board in August 2018 and has more than 30 years of experience in the retail technology and e-commerce industries. Most recently, Mr. Strain served as the Head of e-Commerce and Technology at Gap, Inc., where he was responsible for technology, product management, data and analytics, and loyalty and payments.

As a result of this announcement, the size of Leslie?s Board is reduced from nine to eight directors effective as of December 19, 2023. The size of the Board will be reduced from eight to seven directors effective at the Company?s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.