Hayward Holdings (NYSE: HAYW) details 2026 virtual meeting, pay and board structure
Hayward Holdings, Inc. is soliciting proxies for its 2026 virtual annual meeting, where stockholders will elect three Class II directors for terms expiring in 2029, cast an advisory vote on executive compensation, and ratify PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditor for 2026.
The meeting will be held online on May 21, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Hayward reports 2025 net sales of $1.12 billion, up 6.7% year over year, driven by residential and commercial pool equipment across North America and international markets, with a large aftermarket component supporting durable cash flow.
The nine-member Board includes eight independent directors and uses a classified structure with three staggered classes. Executive pay is heavily performance-based, with approximately 84% of the CEO’s target annual compensation and 69% for other named executives considered at-risk through cash incentives and equity awards tied to net sales, Adjusted EBITDA, margin and return metrics.
Hayward highlights corporate stewardship under four pillars—Products, Planet, People and Principles—noting that more than 60% of eligible North American products by net sales meet ENERGY STAR criteria, global employee engagement survey participation exceeded 85%, and 2025 Say-on-Pay support reached 92%, reinforcing strong stockholder backing for its compensation framework.
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Key Figures
Key Terms
Say-on-Pay financial
performance stock units financial
classified Board regulatory
Audit Committee Financial Expert regulatory
Adjusted EBITDA Margin financial
non-GAAP financial
Compensation Summary
| Name | Title | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Holleran | ||
| Eifion Jones | ||
| John Collins | ||
| Susan Canning | ||
| Eric Sejourne |
- Election of three Class II directors to terms expiring in 2029
- Advisory vote to approve compensation of named executive officers
- Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for 2026
o | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
o | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
x | Definitive Proxy Statement |
o | Definitive Additional Materials |
o | Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12 |
x | No fee required. |
o | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
o | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-(6)(i)(1) and 0-11. |


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![]() | DATE & TIME May 21, 2026 8:00 a.m. ET | ![]() | LOCATION Virtual meeting at: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HAYW2026 | ![]() | RECORD DATE March 25, 2026 |
Proposals | Recommendation | Page Reference | |
1 | To elect three nominees identified in the accompanying Proxy Statement as Class II directors to serve terms lasting until our 2029 annual meeting of stockholders and their successors are duly elected and qualified | FOR each nominee | See Page 6 >> |
2 | To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers | FOR | See Page 30 >> |
3 | To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2026 | FOR | See Page 65 >> |
4 | To transact such other business as may properly come before the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders of Hayward Holdings, Inc. | ||
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. Whether or not you plan to attend the virtual Annual Meeting, please vote your shares promptly using the instructions provided in these proxy materials. The Annual Meeting will be held only at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/HAYW2026. You will need the 16- digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) or proxy card to access the Annual Meeting. Please refer to the section titled "Frequently Asked Questions," beginning on page 70 of this Proxy Statement, for additional information regarding participating in the virtual meeting. The Notice containing instructions on how to access this Proxy Statement and our 2025 Annual Report is first being mailed on or about April 2, 2026 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. We cordially invite you to attend the meeting. By order of the Board of Directors, ![]() Susan M. Canning Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Charlotte, NC April 2, 2026 | WAYS TO VOTE IN ADVANCE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING: | ||||
![]() | INTERNET By internet at www.proxyvote.com | ||||
![]() | TELEPHONE By toll-free telephone at 1-800-690-6903 | ||||
![]() | MAIL By completing and mailing your proxy card (if you received printed proxy materials) to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717 | ||||
CEO Letter to Stockholders | |
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders | |
Company Overview | 1 |
Proxy Voting Roadmap | 3 |
Board and Governance Matters | 6 |
Proposal 1 — Election of Directors | 6 |
Director Nominees | 7 |
Corporate Governance | 19 |
Director Compensation | 27 |
Executive Compensation | 30 |
Proposal 2 — Advisory Vote To Approve Executive Compensation ("Say-on-Pay") | 30 |
Compensation Discussion and Analysis | 31 |
Executive Compensation Tables | 51 |
Audit Matters | 65 |
Proposal 3 — Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 65 |
Audit Committee Report | 67 |
Security Ownership And Related Information | 68 |
Frequently Asked Questions | 70 |
Other Matters | 74 |
Stockholder Proposals for the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders | 74 |
Internet Availability of Proxy Materials | 75 |
Appendix A Supplemental Information About Financial Measures | A-1 |
Non-GAAP Reconciliations | A-1 |
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 1 | |
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$1.12B NET SALES (+6.7% Y/Y) | ![]() | Leading global provider of residential and commercial pool equipment, supported by strong brand recognition and large installed base, and is well positioned to benefit from long-term replacement demand and favorable outdoor living trends. | ||||||
![]() | Meaningful Net Sales derived from aftermarket repair, replacement, and upgrade demand tied to essential pool functionality, supporting durable cash flow generation. | |||||||
![]() | Consistent free cash flow supports reinvestment in innovation, strategic deleveraging and other value-enhancing capital allocation priorities. | |||||||
![]() | Expanding portfolio of energy-efficient, connected products and smart automation systems that enhance customer experience and drive long-term growth. | |||||||



2 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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PRODUCTS | PLANET | PEOPLE | PRINCIPLES | |||||||||||||||
-Sustainable Products -Product Safety | -Environmental Management -Responsible Supply Chain & Materials | -Employee Health, Well-being & Engagement -Community Engagement | -Business Ethics -Board Skills & Independence | |||||||||||||||
More than 60% of eligible North American products, by Net Sales, met ENERGY STAR® criteria | |||
Continued expansion of Hayward Hubs, which provide training and support resources for dealers and trade professionals |
Initiated an assessment on climate-related risks and opportunities, including potential innovation and operational efficiencies to inform future reporting and support long-term stockholder value | |||
Continued focus on reducing energy and water consumption in our manufacturing facilities through targeted sustainability projects |
All employees must certify compliance with the Business Ethics and Code of Conduct Policy and Whistleblower Policy | |||
Conducted ongoing compliance training, adhering to a company- wide training curriculum on compliance, safety, human resources and information technology |
Conducted our third annual global employee engagement survey, achieving more than 85% participation from our global workforce | |||
Launched the Hayward Cares Workplace Giving program, enabling North America employees to support causes they care about with Company matching gifts |
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 3 | |
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PROPOSAL 1 | ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Board recommends a vote “FOR” each director nominee See Page 6 » | ![]() |
LEGEND All Ages shown are as of April 2, 2026 | ||
![]() | Independent Director | |
![]() | Audit Committee Chair | |
![]() | Compensation Committee Chair | |
![]() | Nominating & Corporate Governance Chair | |
![]() | Board of Directors Chair | |
![]() Kevin Brown Age: 51 Director Since: June 2017 Committee Memberships: Audit, Compensation | ![]() Arthur Soucy Age: 63 Director Since: December 2017 Committee Memberships: Audit, Nominating & Corporate Governance | ![]() Lori Walker Age: 69 Director Since: March 2021 Committee Memberships: Audit |
![]() Diane Dayhoff Age: 70 Director Since: March 2021 Committee Memberships: Audit | ![]() Stephen Felice Age: 69 Director Since: May 2018 Committee Memberships: Compensation, Nominating & Corporate Governance | ![]() Kevin Holleran Age: 58 Director Since: August 2019 President and CEO | ||
![]() Ronald Keating Age: 58 Director Since: March 2025 Committee Memberships: Compensation | ![]() Lawrence Silber Age: 70 Director Since: November 2019 Committee Memberships: Compensation | ![]() Edward Ward Age: 61 Director Since: April 2022 Committee Memberships: Nominating & Corporate Governance |
4 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ||
![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Sustainability Matters | ||
![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Water Industry Knowledge | ||
![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | Finance & Accounting | ||
![]() | International Markets | ![]() | Sales, Marketing & E-commerce | ||
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | Leadership Experience | ||
![]() | Supply Chain & Operations |
Independence | Age | Tenure |



2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 5 | |
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PROPOSAL 2 | ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The Board recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal. See Page 30 » | ![]() |






PROPOSAL 3 | RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM The Board recommends a vote “FOR” this proposal. See Page 65 » | ![]() |
6 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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PROPOSAL 1 | ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Our board of directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” the election of each of Kevin Brown, Arthur Soucy and Lori Walker as Class II directors to serve terms lasting until our 2029 annual meeting of stockholders and their successors are duly elected and qualified. | ![]() |
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" EACH NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR. | ||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 7 | |
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Name | Age * | Current Position | Audit | Compensation | Nominating and Corporate Governance | Term Expires |
Nominees: | ||||||
Kevin Brown (FE) | 51 | Director | ![]() | ![]() | 2029 | |
Arthur Soucy (FE) | 63 | Director | ![]() | ![]() | 2029 | |
Lori Walker (FE) | 69 | Director | ![]() | 2029 | ||
Continuing Directors: | ||||||
Diane Dayhoff (FE) | 70 | Director | ![]() | 2027 | ||
Stephen Felice (C) | 69 | Director | ![]() | ![]() | 2027 | |
Kevin Holleran | 58 | President, CEO & Director | 2027 | |||
Ronald Keating | 58 | Director | ![]() | 2028 | ||
Lawrence Silber | 70 | Director | ![]() | 2028 | ||
Edward Ward | 61 | Director | ![]() | 2028 | ||


8 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Brown | Dayhoff | Felice | Holleran | Keating | Silber | Soucy | Walker | Ward | Total | ||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 9 |
![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 9 |
![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 9 |
![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 9 |
![]() | International Markets | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 9 |
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 8 | |
![]() | Supply Chain & Operations | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 6 | |||
![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 9 |
![]() | Sustainability Matters | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 8 | |
![]() | Water Industry Knowledge | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 6 | |||
![]() | Finance & Accounting | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 9 |
![]() | Sales, Marketing & E-commerce | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 7 | ||
![]() | Leadership Experience | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | 9 |


Independence | Age | Tenure |



2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 9 | |
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![]() | Biography Mr. Brown was Co-Head of the Private Capital Group of MSD Partners, L.P. before its merger with BDT Partners, and he is currently a Partner and member of the Investment Committee of BDT & MSD Partners (“BDT & MSD”). Mr. Brown joined BDT & MSD in 2016 and currently serves as a director on the boards of Endries International, Woolpert, West Monroe Partners, East West Manufacturing and Ring Container Technologies. Prior to joining BDT & MSD, Mr. Brown was a Partner with Court Square Capital (“Court Square”) where he worked primarily in the Industrial sector for 10 years. Prior to Court Square, Mr. Brown was a Vice President with Apax Partners focusing on investments in the Media, Late-Stage Software, and Tech-Enabled Business Services sectors. He has served as a director on numerous boards, including those of ERICO Global, MacDermid, Pike Corporation, and Wyle. | ||||||||||||
KEVIN D. BROWN Independent Director Director Since: June 2017 Committee Memberships: Audit, Compensation Other Public Company Boards: None | |||||||||||||
Qualifications Mr. Brown brings deep expertise in finance, capital allocation, and long-term value creation, directly supporting Hayward's focus on disciplined investment, operational improvement, and sustained long-term growth. His experience leading private capital investments across global industrial businesses provides sharp insight into evaluating strategic opportunities and supporting strong financial rigor. He also brings an investor-minded perspective that strengthens the Board's oversight of Hayward's capital deployment, financial performance, governance, and risk management. This perspective is especially valuable as the Company advances its long-term strategic priorities and continues to drive durable value creation. | |||||||||||||
Skills | |||||||||||||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | International Markets | ||||
![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | Water Industry Knowledge | ![]() | Finance & Accounting | ![]() | Leadership Experience | ||||||
10 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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![]() | Biography Mr. Soucy is a retired executive with broad international experience running complex operations and large profit and loss ("P&L") statements in both the oil & gas and aviation industries. Mr. Soucy has over 30 years of business leadership experience in multi-national environments holding executive positions with P&L responsibilities spanning some 80 countries. Mr. Soucy retired as President, Products & Technology for Baker Hughes, an oil & gas services company, in July 2017. In that role he was responsible for the company’s multi-billion-dollar chemical business as well as enterprise new product & technology development. He also was responsible for the company’s global marketing and supply chain functions. Prior to that, Mr. Soucy was headquartered in London, UK for nearly four years where he served as President of Europe, Africa, Russia, Caspian, and had P&L responsibilities for the region. Prior to joining Baker Hughes, Mr. Soucy spent 29 years at Pratt & Whitney, where he held a variety of executive level P&L, technology, and supply chain positions. | ||||||||||||
ARTHUR L. SOUCY Independent Director Director Since: December 2017 Committee Memberships: Audit, Nominating and Corporate Governance Other Public Company Boards: None | |||||||||||||
Qualifications Mr. Soucy brings extensive experience leading large, complex multinational operations, which directly supports Hayward's focus on operational excellence, supply chain resilience, and global execution. His background managing broad P&L responsibilities, overseeing technology and product development, and leading operations across more than 80 countries gives the Board practical insight into improving efficiency, strengthening commercial strategy, and navigating diverse global markets. His deep expertise in supply chain management, operational performance, and global go-to- market execution enhances the Board's ability to oversee Hayward's manufacturing footprint, margin-improvement initiatives, and international growth priorities. | |||||||||||||
Skills | |||||||||||||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | International Markets | ||||
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | Supply Chain & Operations | ![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | Sustainability Matters | ![]() | Finance & Accounting | ||||
![]() | Sales, Marketing & E- commerce | ![]() | Leadership Experience | ||||||||||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 11 | |
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![]() | Biography Ms. Walker served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of The Valspar Corporation (“Valspar”), a global coatings manufacturer, from 2008 to 2013, where she led the Finance, IT and Communications teams. Before this position, Ms. Walker served as Valspar’s Vice President, Controller, and Treasurer from 2004 to 2008 and as Vice President and Controller from 2001 to 2004. Prior to joining Valspar, Ms. Walker worked at Honeywell, Inc., a global conglomerate of commercial and consumer products, for 20 years in progressively increasing roles of responsibility, including as Director of Global Financial Risk Management. Ms. Walker currently serves on the Board of Directors of Southwire Company, LLC, a private industrial manufacturer of wire and cable, Constellium SE, a publicly traded aluminum fabricator for the automotive, aerospace and packaging industries and Compass Minerals International, Inc., a publicly traded producer of salt for highway deicing, commercial and industrial markets. | ||||||||||||
LORI A. WALKER Independent Director Director Since: March 2021 Committee Memberships: Audit Other Public Company Boards: Constellium SE and Compass Minerals International, Inc. | |||||||||||||
Qualifications Ms. Walker brings extensive financial leadership and risk management expertise, which is critical to Hayward as the Company prioritizes disciplined financial execution, strong internal controls, and long-term value creation. Her experience overseeing financial reporting, internal controls, and capital allocation at large global industrial companies provides the Board with strong oversight capabilities across accounting integrity, enterprise risk, and financial performance. Her background leading finance, IT, and enterprise-wide functions equips her to advise on Hayward's digital, systems, and process-improvement initiatives, while her public company board experience strengthens the Board's governance and audit oversight as Hayward advances its strategic and operational objectives. | |||||||||||||
Skills | |||||||||||||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | International Markets | ||||
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | Sustainability Matters | ![]() | Water Industry Knowledge | ![]() | Finance & Accounting | ||||
![]() | Leadership Experience | ||||||||||||
12 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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![]() | Biography Ms. Dayhoff served as Vice President Investor Relations at The Home Depot, Inc. (“Home Depot”), from May 2003 to April 2018. Prior to joining Home Depot, Ms. Dayhoff worked at Continental Airlines for 14 years in progressively increasing roles of responsibility, including as Staff Vice President of Finance. Further, as the Chief Financial Officer of a large privately held company, she generated that company’s first audited financial statements. | ||||||||||||
Qualifications Ms. Dayhoff brings deep expertise in financial reporting, internal controls, and audit processes, which is essential to Hayward’s commitment to strong financial discipline and transparent public company reporting. Her experience working closely with auditors and preparing audited financial statements enables her to provide rigorous oversight of Hayward’s accounting practices, disclosure quality, and enterprise‑wide financial controls. In addition, her background in investor relations and financial planning strengthens the Board’s ability to communicate effectively with stockholders and evaluate the Company’s financial performance and strategic priorities. Ms. Dayhoff’s expertise enhances the Board’s governance, audit oversight, and financial stewardship as Hayward advances its long‑term strategy. | |||||||||||||
DIANE S. DAYHOFF Independent Director Director Since: March 2021 Committee Memberships: Audit Other Public Company Boards: None | |||||||||||||
Skills | |||||||||||||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | International Markets | ||||
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | Sustainability Matters | ![]() | Finance & Accounting | ![]() | Sales, Marketing & E- commerce | ||||
![]() | Leadership Experience | ||||||||||||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 13 | |
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![]() | Biography Mr. Felice has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Felice Partners, LLC (an advisory and private investment company) since January 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Felice was President and Chief Executive Officer of Filtration Group Corporation (“FGC”), a global industrial manufacturer, from January 2014 through January 2017. Prior to joining FGC, Mr. Felice was President and Chief Commercial Officer of Dell, Inc (“Dell”) from December 2011 through December 2013 after previously serving in a variety of executive roles at Dell from February 1999 through November 2011. Prior to joining Dell, Mr. Felice was President and Chief Executive Officer of DecisionOne Corporation (“DOC”), a provider of computer technology services, from 1997 through 1999 after previously serving as President of DOC from 1995 through 1997. Prior to joining DOC, Mr. Felice worked at Bell Atlantic Corp in various roles from 1984 through 1995 and Shell Oil Corp from 1979 through 1984. Mr. Felice has served on the Board of Directors of Southwire Corporation since 2015 (currently Chairman of Human Resources Committee), Weber Blackstone since 2025 and the Mark Felice Foundation since 2003. Mr. Felice was also Vice Chairman at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy from 2010 to 2014 and served on the Board of Trustees for The Franklin Institute from 2013 to 2015 and the Singapore Economic Development Board from 2010 to 2012. | ||||||||||||
STEPHEN J. FELICE Chairman of the Board Independent Director Director Since: May 2018 Committee Memberships: Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Other Public Company Boards: None | |||||||||||||
Qualifications Mr. Felice brings extensive experience leading large, global industrial and technology‑enabled businesses, which directly supports Hayward’s focus on operational excellence, product innovation, and scalable commercial execution. His background overseeing strategic planning, manufacturing operations, and global sales organizations enables him to provide practical guidance on improving efficiency, accelerating growth initiatives, and strengthening Hayward’s competitive positioning. His leadership across complex IT‑driven and industrial enterprises also enhances the Board’s oversight of technology‑enabled business models, digital capabilities, and global go‑to‑market strategies - key areas for Hayward as the Company continues to modernize operations, expand internationally, and drive long‑term profitable growth. | |||||||||||||
Skills | |||||||||||||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | International Markets | ||||
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | Supply Chain & Operations | ![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | Sustainability Matters | ![]() | Water Industry Knowledge | ||||
![]() | Finance & Accounting | ![]() | Sales, Marketing & E- commerce | ![]() | Leadership Experience | ||||||||
14 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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![]() | Biography Mr. Holleran has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Hayward since August 2019 and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Armstrong World Industries, Inc, a leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative and interior architectural applications, including ceilings, specialty walls, and exterior metal solutions, beginning October 2025. Prior to joining Hayward, beginning in 2017, Mr. Holleran served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Segment within Textron, Inc. (“Textron”). Textron’s Industrial Segment is composed of Textron Specialized Vehicles, Inc. (“Textron Specialized Vehicles”), a leading global manufacturer of purpose-built vehicles and equipment for a variety of commercial and recreational applications across a number of brands, and Kautex, a tier one automotive supplier of fuel systems, selective catalytic reduction systems, and cleaning solutions. Prior to 2017, Mr. Holleran served for 10 years as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Textron Specialized Vehicles, during which time he grew revenue and profitability substantially through both organic growth and acquisitions. Prior to his time at Textron, Mr. Holleran held several management positions at Ingersoll-Rand plc and Terex Corporation across the sales, marketing and product management functions. | ||||||||||||
KEVIN P. HOLLERAN President and CEO Director Since: August 2019 Other Public Company Boards: Armstrong World Industries, Inc. | |||||||||||||
Qualifications As Hayward’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Holleran brings deep institutional knowledge of the Company’s operations, strategy, workforce, and competitive landscape, which is essential to the Board’s oversight of execution and long‑term performance. His experience leading complex industrial businesses, driving growth through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions, equips him to provide the Board with practical insight into operational efficiency, commercial strategy, and global execution. His leadership across global operations, sales, and product management strengthens the Board’s ability to evaluate Hayward’s strategic priorities, assess performance, and guide the Company’s long‑term opportunities in domestic and international markets. | |||||||||||||
Skills | |||||||||||||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | International Markets | ||||
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | Supply Chain & Operations | ![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | Sustainability Matters | ![]() | Water Industry Knowledge | ||||
![]() | Finance & Accounting | ![]() | Sales, Marketing & E- commerce | ![]() | Leadership Experience | ||||||||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 15 | |
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![]() | Biography Ronald C. Keating has served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Member at Excelitas Technologies Corp., since October 2023. Prior to joining Excelitas, Mr. Keating was President and Chief Executive Officer of Evoqua Water Technologies Corporation, a global provider of water and wastewater treatment solutions, since December 2014. Mr. Keating served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Contech Engineered Solutions ("Contech"), an infrastructure site solutions provider, from 2007 to 2014. Prior to joining Contech, Mr. Keating served as President of the Metalworking Solutions and Services Group of Kennametal Inc. ("Kennametal"), a supplier of tooling and industrial materials. He also held previous roles at Kennametal as the Vice President and General Manager of the Energy, Mining and Construction Group and for the Electronics Products Group from 2001 to 2007. Mr. Keating started his career at Ingersoll-Rand plc in 1992, where he held various roles of increasing responsibility. Mr. Keating currently serves on the board of trustees of the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation and the Board of Directors of the Allegheny Conference. | ||||||||||||
RONALD C. KEATING Independent Director Director Since: March 2025 Committee Memberships: Compensation Other Public Company Boards: Enpro Inc. | |||||||||||||
Qualifications Mr. Keating brings extensive global operational and financial leadership experience, along with deep expertise in the water and infrastructure sectors, which directly aligns with Hayward’s core markets and long‑term strategic priorities. His background leading complex, technology- enabled industrial businesses provides the Board with strong insight into operational excellence, global execution, and disciplined strategic growth. His experience overseeing large‑scale industrial operations and driving transformation across water‑focused businesses enhances the Board’s ability to evaluate Hayward’s operational performance, navigate industry dynamics, and guide the Company’s long‑term value‑creation strategy. | |||||||||||||
Skills | |||||||||||||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | International Markets | ||||
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | Supply Chain & Operations | ![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | Sustainability Matters | ![]() | Water Industry Knowledge | ||||
![]() | Finance & Accounting | ![]() | Sales, Marketing & E- commerce | ![]() | Leadership Experience | ||||||||
16 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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![]() | Biography Mr. Silber has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Herc Holdings Inc. (“Herc Rentals”), a public company, since May 2015. Prior to joining Herc Rentals, Mr. Silber served as an executive advisor at Court Square Capital Partners, LLP, a private equity firm primarily investing in the business services, healthcare, general industrial and technology and telecommunications sectors, from April 2014 to May 2015. Mr. Silber also served as Chief Operating Officer for Hayward Industries, Inc. from 2008 to 2012, during which time he oversaw a successful transition through the recession and return to solid profitability. From 1978 to 2008, Mr. Silber worked for Ingersoll-Rand plc, a publicly traded manufacturer of industrial products and components, in a number of roles of increasing responsibility. Mr. Silber previously served on the Board of Directors of SMTC Corporation from 2012 to 2015. | ||||||||||||
LAWRENCE H. SILBER Independent Director Director Since: November 2019 Committee Memberships: Compensation Other Public Company Boards: Herc Holdings Inc. | |||||||||||||
Qualifications Mr. Silber brings substantial executive management, operational leadership, and strategic execution experience, informed by his prior service as Chief Operating Officer of Hayward Industries, Inc. and his current role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Herc Rentals. His extensive knowledge of manufacturing, sales, marketing, and commercial operations, combined with deep familiarity with Hayward’s own business, provides the Board with practical insight into performance improvement, operational efficiency, and growth initiatives. His experience as a senior executive and public company director further enhances the Board’s capabilities in governance, risk oversight, and financial stewardship, supporting Hayward’s long‑term operational and strategic objectives. | |||||||||||||
Skills | |||||||||||||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | International Markets | ||||
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | Supply Chain & Operations | ![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | Sustainability Matters | ![]() | Water Industry Knowledge | ||||
![]() | Finance & Accounting | ![]() | Sales, Marketing & E- commerce | ![]() | Leadership Experience | ||||||||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 17 | |
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![]() | Biography Mr. Ward most recently served as the President, Client Product Group of Dell Technologies Inc. (“Dell Technologies”). Mr. Ward has over 38 years of experience working in the technology industry. Mr. Ward worked at Dell Technologies for 24 years in progressively increasing roles of responsibility, including Senior Vice President, Client Product Group, Senior Vice President of Engineering, Client Product Group and Vice President of Engineering, Servers. In addition, Mr. Ward has worked at NCR Corporation as Vice President of Engineering, Shared Components & Technical Services. Mr. Ward has also served in board roles at the University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley and Austin’s Habitat for Humanity. | ||||||||||||
EDWARD D. WARD Independent Director Director Since: April 2022 Committee Memberships: Nominating and Corporate Governance Other Public Company Boards: None | |||||||||||||
Qualifications Mr. Ward brings significant leadership experience in strategic planning, technology innovation, and large‑scale engineering management, which directly supports Hayward’s focus on product innovation and operational excellence. His background overseeing product development, advanced engineering, and technology‑driven organizations equips him to provide the Board with valuable insight into strengthening Hayward’s technology roadmap, enhancing product reliability, and supporting long‑term innovation. His experience guiding complex, technology‑enabled businesses through growth and transformation further enhances the Board’s ability to evaluate Hayward’s strategic initiatives, operational execution, and long‑term competitiveness. | |||||||||||||
Skills | |||||||||||||
![]() | Board Governance | ![]() | Compensation & Human Resources | ![]() | Risk Management | ![]() | Financial Literacy | ![]() | International Markets | ||||
![]() | IT Experience & Cybersecurity | ![]() | Supply Chain & Operations | ![]() | Strategic Leadership & Management | ![]() | Sustainability Matters | ![]() | Finance & Accounting | ||||
![]() | Sales, Marketing & E- commerce | ![]() | Leadership Experience | ||||||||||
18 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 19 | |
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![]() | Independent Board Chair and CEO roles | |
![]() | Majority independent Board (8 of 9 directors) | |
![]() | Independent Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees | |
![]() | Board oversight of management succession planning | |
![]() | Board and Committee oversight of risk management | |
![]() | Maintain rigorous stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers | |
![]() | Advisory vote on executive compensation held annually | |
![]() | Annual vote to ratify appointment of independent registered public accounting firm | |
![]() | Each share of Company common stock is entitled to one vote on matters put to a stockholder vote |
20 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Name | Audit | Compensation | Nominating & Corporate Governance |
Kevin Brown (FE) | ![]() | ![]() | |
Arthur Soucy (FE) | ![]() | ![]() | |
Lori Walker (FE) | ![]() | ||
Diane Dayhoff (FE) | ![]() | ||
Stephen Felice (C) | ![]() | ![]() | |
Kevin Holleran | |||
Ronald Keating | ![]() | ||
Lawrence Silber | ![]() | ||
Edward Ward | ![]() | ||
Number of Meetings in 2025: | 9 | 5 | 4 |


AUDIT COMMITTEE | Meetings in 2025: 9 | |||
MEMBERS: ![]() Lori Walker (Chair) Kevin Brown Diane Dayhoff Arthur Soucy | ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES: •Overseeing the quality and integrity of the Company's financial statements, financial reporting process and earnings releases; •Appointing, compensating and overseeing the independent registered public accounting firm, including meeting separately with the auditors to discuss the scope and results of their work; •Overseeing the annual audit process, including reviewing and discussing with management and the auditors significant accounting and reporting matters, audit results and audit opinions; •Reviewing and discussing the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements with management and the auditors; •Providing oversight of the Company's capital structure, liquidity and key financial ratios; •Overseeing the Company's internal control environment, including advising management, internal audit and the external auditors on internal control matters and reviewing internal audit reports and the effectiveness of the internal audit function; •Reviewing and discussing significant changes to the Company's accounting policies with management and the external auditors; •Reviewing guidelines and policies governing the Company's risk assessment and risk management process; •Overseeing the effectiveness of the Company's systems for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations; •Reviewing and overseeing related-party transactions required to be disclosed in public filings in accordance with the Company’s related-party transactions policy; and •Overseeing the integrity and security of the Company’s information technology systems, processes, including periodically reviewing information security, cybersecurity and contingency plans. | |||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 21 | |
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE | Meetings in 2025: 5 | |||
MEMBERS: ![]() Lawrence Silber (Chair) Kevin Brown Stephen Felice Ronald Keating | ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES: •Reviewing and establishing the Company’s overall compensation strategy for its management and employees; •Annually reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the CEO’s compensation, evaluating the CEO’s performance, and approving, or recommending to the Board for approval, the CEO’s compensation; •Reviewing and determining, or recommending to the Board for determination, the compensation of the Company's other executive officers; •Reviewing, assessing and making recommendations to the Board regarding the compensation of directors; •Reviewing, approving and overseeing the Company's compensation and benefits plans, including approving equity grants and awards; •Reviewing and approving employment, compensation, severance and change-in-control arrangements for executive officers; •Reviewing the Company’s compensation policies and practices to assess whether they encourage excessive risk-taking; •Reviewing and discussing the relationship between compensation and the Company's risk management policies and practices and evaluating compensation features designed to mitigate risk; and •Reviewing and approving other policies and practices relating to the compensation of directors, officers and employees. | |||
NOMINATING & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE | Meetings in 2025: 4 | |||
MEMBERS: ![]() Stephen Felice (Chair) Arthur Soucy Edward Ward | ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES: •Identifying, selecting and recommending to the Board individuals for election to the Board and recommending the classes on which such nominees should serve; •Reviewing the Board’s committee structure and making recommendations regarding director committee assignments; •Reviewing the Company's corporate governance guidelines and director-related policies and making recommendations to the Board; •Overseeing the Company’s sustainability initiatives and reviewing policies relating to significant issues of corporate public responsibility; •Reviewing director practices and policies, including retirement policies, Board size, non- employee director service and Board meeting structure, and making recommendations to the Board; •Recommending and overseeing annual evaluation processes for the Board, the CEO and appropriate Board committees, including annually certifying that the performance of the CEO and other members of executive management is being appropriately evaluated; •Considering and reporting to the Board any questions of potential conflicts of interest involving directors; •Providing for new director orientation and continuing education; •Overseeing management’s succession planning for senior management positions; and •Reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter and recommending changes to the Board. | |||
22 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 23 | |
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS | ||||||||||
Reviews and discusses with senior management significant risks affecting the Company, including matters escalated by its committees from within their respective areas of oversight. | ||||||||||
AUDIT COMMITTEE | COMPENSATION COMMITTEE | NOMINATING & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE | ||||||||
Oversees the Company's major financial and information technology risk exposures, including cybersecurity matters, and reviews management's process for identifying, monitoring, and managing such risks, as well as the Company's related risk management policies and contingency plans. | Oversees risks related to the Company's compensation plans and arrangements, including consideration of whether rewards and incentives encourage undue risk-taking by personnel. | Oversees management of risks associated with director independence, conflicts of interest, Board composition and organization, director succession planning, and corporate governance and sustainability. | ||||||||
Financial Reporting & Audit | Compensation Strategy | Board Composition | ||||||||
Internal Controls | Executive Compensation | Governance Framework | ||||||||
Compliance & Ethics | Equity & Incentives | Leadership Succession | ||||||||
Technology & Cybersecurity | Risk Alignment | Board Effectiveness | ||||||||
MANAGEMENT | ||||||||||
Identifies and manages risks associated with significant business activities, integrates risk considerations into strategic decision-making, and reports on material risk matters to the Board and its committees. | ||||||||||
24 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Approach Self-assessments may be conducted through written or oral questionnaires administered by Board members, management or third parties | Questionnaires Each director receives the questionnaires and provides feedback | One‑on‑one Discussions Independent Chairperson discusses results in one‑on‑one discussions with each director, encouraging candid feedback | Summary Review Independent Chairperson reviews the summary and results of the evaluation process with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee | Feedback Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee leads a discussion of the results with the Board in executive session to identify focus areas and proposed actions | Ongoing Efforts Board implements any agreed‑upon actions and is encouraged to provide ongoing feedback, which can be discussed at each regular meeting |
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 25 | |
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Year-round responsive engagement with our stockholders | Reported our stockholders' views to management and our Board | Our Senior Leadership Team participated in stockholder outreach | Engaged with analysts through quarterly calls, our Investor Relations website, and meetings to discuss financial and operational performance | Contacted stockholders representing 65% of our outstanding shares and engaged with three global institutional investors to discuss governance and executive compensation |
Board Composition | » Board size and composition » Director nomination and selection process » Director qualifications and skills criteria » Director independence | ||||
Leadership and Elections | » Director elections and resignation policy » Designation of Board chairperson » Director role changes and Board review | ||||
Compensation and Tenure | » Director term limits and re-nomination review » Director compensation and equity alignment | ||||
Board Evaluation and Education | » Evaluation of board performance » Director orientation and continuing education | ||||
Operations and Engagement | » Board policy on director communications » CEO evaluation and leadership development » CEO and executive succession planning | ||||
26 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 27 | |
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Director Cash Retainer Policy | ||
Board Committee | Additional Annual Cash Retainer | |
Audit Committee Chairperson | $20,000 | |
Compensation Committee Chairperson | $15,000 | |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson | $15,000 | |
28 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(1) | Stock Awards ($) (3) | Option Awards ($) (4) | Total ($) | |
Kevin Brown | 51,607 | 130,011 | — | 181,618 | |
Diane Dayhoff | 85,000 | 130,292 | — | 215,292 | |
Stephen Felice (2) | — | 330,463 | — | 330,463 | |
Ronald Keating (2) | — | 219,089 | — | 219,089 | |
Lawrence Silber | 100,000 | 130,292 | — | 230,292 | |
Arthur Soucy (2) | — | 215,327 | — | 215,327 | |
Lori Walker | 105,000 | 130,292 | — | 235,292 | |
Edward Ward | 85,000 | 130,292 | — | 215,292 |
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 29 | |
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30 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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PROPOSAL 2 | ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (“SAY-ON-PAY”) Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” the adoption of the resolution approving, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to our named executive officers as presented in this Proxy Statement. | ![]() |
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION APPROVING, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, THE COMPENSATION PAID TO OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS PRESENTED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. | ||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 31 | |
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![]() Kevin Holleran President, Chief Executive Officer | ![]() Eifion Jones Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | ![]() John Collins Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer | ![]() Susan Canning Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary | ![]() Eric Sejourne Senior Vice President, Chief Global Operations Officer |
1 | Compensation Philosophy & Objectives | See Page 35 » | |
2 | How We Determine Executive Compensation | See Page 36 » | |
3 | 2025 Executive Compensation Program | See Page 38 » | |
4 | Other Policies & Practices | See Page 48 » | |
5 | Compensation Committee Report | See Page 50 » | |
6 | Executive Compensation Tables | See Page 51 » |
32 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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1 | ALIGNMENT WITH CORPORATE STRATEGIES Align Compensation Program With Our Corporate Strategy And Business Objectives Our compensation philosophy is focused on attracting and retaining top executive talent while aligning executive compensation with the Company's corporate and financial objectives and the long-term interests of our stockholders. We provide compensation programs that we believe are fair and competitive and that are structured to motivate executives to drive market-leading performance relative to the Company’s peers. We also maintain a commitment to strong corporate governance in the design and administration of our NEO compensation arrangements. Our executive compensation programs have historically been weighted toward both short- and long-term performance through a mix of cash and equity incentives, providing executives with the opportunity to share in the Company's long-term value creation. See Page 35 » | OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: | |||||
![]() | Attract and Retain Top Executive Talent | ||||||
![]() | Align Corporate and Financial Objectives | ||||||
![]() | Align Long-Term Interests of Executives and Stockholders | ||||||
![]() | Drive Market-Leading Performance | ||||||
2 | PERFORMANCE-BASED COMPENSATION STRUCTURE Compensation Linked To Short- And Long‑term Performance Objectives A substantial percentage of our NEO compensation is performance- based. The annual cash incentive measures performance over a one- year period and rewards are tied to short-term Company financial and operational objectives. PSUs measure multi-year performance and reward the achievement of long-term Company objectives, including relative total shareholder return ("TSR"). See Pages 40-45 » |








2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 33 | |
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3 | LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION Equity Awards Designed To Promote Retention And Performance In Fiscal Year 2025, our CEO and other NEOs received long-term equity awards in the form of RSUs and PSUs. RSUs vest annually over a three-year period, and PSUs have a three-year performance period with vesting shortly thereafter, which we believe promote retention and long- term performance achievement. The target equity award mix for the CEO and the other NEOs was 50% RSUs and 50% PSUs. See Page 42 » |



4 | BALANCED MIX Performance‑based, Long-term Compensation Our NEOs' target direct compensation is heavily weighted toward performance-based, long-term incentives. Current compensation consists of cash, including base salary and a performance-based annual cash incentive ("ACI"), while long-term compensation is delivered primarily through equity awards in the form of RSUs and performance- based PSUs. See Page 38 » |






5 | STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES Alignment With Long-term Stockholder Value We maintain stock ownership guidelines to reinforce executive accountability and align executive interests with long-term stockholder value. See Page 48 » | CEO 5x annual base salary | ||||||
CFO 3x annual base salary | ||||||||
OTHER NEOs 1x annual base salary |
34 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Despite macroeconomic challenges faced by the pool industry, the Company achieved sales and earnings growth, margin expansion, and increased cash flow generation in Fiscal Year 2025. | ||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 35 | |
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BASE SALARY Provides the level of market-based compensation to attract, retain and recognize talent in key roles required for the operation of the Company | CASH-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION Provides short-term incentives directly linked to achievement of the Company’s annual financial and operational performance | EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION Aligns the long-term interests of NEOs and stockholders, and supports retention | ||||||||


36 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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WHAT WE DO | ||
![]() | Emphasize performance-based, at-risk compensation | |
![]() | Use equity compensation to promote executive retention and reward long-term value creation | |
![]() | Target total direct cash compensation at the market median and weight overall pay mix toward incentive compensation | |
![]() | Engage an independent compensation consultant to advise our Compensation Committee | |
![]() | Maintain rigorous stock ownership guidelines for our directors and executive officers | |
![]() | Include double trigger provisions for cash severance payments and long-term equity following a change-in- control | |
![]() | Maintain an incentive compensation “clawback” policy | |
WHAT WE DO NOT DO | ||
![]() | Do not grant uncapped cash incentives or guaranteed equity compensation | |
![]() | Do not provide significant perquisites | |
![]() | No repricing or exchange of underwater stock options for cash or other awards without stockholder approval under the Hayward Holdings, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2021 Plan") | |
![]() | Do not provide tax gross-up payments with respect to any excise tax due under the federal tax code as a result of severance payments | |
![]() | No hedging, pledging, or short sales of stock permitted | |
![]() | Do not provide incentives that encourage excessive risk-taking | |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE | ||||||||||
•Oversees our compensation and benefit plans and policies •Oversees equity and annual incentive plans, including award design and vesting •Considers recommendations from our CEO regarding the compensation of our executive officers other than himself •Considers, reviews and approves compensation decisions relating to our executive officers, including our CEO •Reviews and provides recommendations to our Board regarding the compensation of our directors •All decisions regarding the compensation of our executive officers are made independently by the Compensation Committee | ||||||||||
CEO AND MANAGEMENT | ||||||||||
•CEO recommends base salary and short-term and long-term compensation (including equity) for other executive officers based on Company performance, individual contributions, role, performance of duties, and achievement of individual goals •Management presents recommendations and supporting data, including compensation surveys and publicly available peer data •CEO typically attends meetings of the Compensation Committee; the Compensation Committee meets outside the presence of our CEO when discussing his compensation, among certain other matters | ||||||||||
INDEPENDENT COMPENSATION CONSULTANT | ||||||||||
•Assists the Compensation Committee in its review of our executive compensation program and the determination of an appropriate peer group •Consults with Compensation Committee regularly throughout the year, and one or more representatives of Pearl Meyer attends portions of our Compensation Committee meetings | ||||||||||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 37 | |
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1 | Establish Target Compensation & Goals | 2 | Review & Assess | 3 | Evaluate & Recommend | |||||||||||
•Market data and benchmarking •Short- and long-term business strategy and priorities •Compensation consultant recommendations •CEO input for other NEOs | •NEO performance and pay history •Compensation program risk considerations •Alignment with risk management practices | •Pay outcomes using market and performance data •Performance against predetermined Company goals | ||||||||||||||
Peer Group | ||||
Aaon, Inc. | Fluidra S.A. | Mueller Water Products, Inc. | SPX Technologies, Inc. | Watts Water Technologies, Inc. |
Badger Meter, Inc. | Latham Group, Inc. | Pentair plc | The Azek Company Inc. | YETI Holdings, Inc. |
CSW Industrials, Inc. | Leslie’s, Inc. | Pool Corporation | Trex Company, Inc. | Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation |
38 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 39 | |
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Compensation Element | Purpose | Key Features | |
Base Salary | Provide fixed cash compensation reflecting role, experience and responsibilities | •Stable foundation for the overall compensation program •Not tied to specific performance metrics •Adjusted for sustained performance, internal equity and market conditions (as applicable) | |
Annual Cash Incentive | Incentivize annual financial and operational performance | •Tied to annual performance goals •One-year performance period •May include discretion for individual contributions | |
Long-Term Equity Incentives | Align executive interests with retention and long-term stockholder value creation | •Mix of RSUs and PSUs •RSUs: Time-based vesting over three years •PSUs: Performance-based vesting over three years |
Named Executive Officer | Fiscal Year 2024 Base Salary ($) (1) | Fiscal Year 2025 Base Salary ($) (2) | Percentage Change (3) | |
Kevin Holleran | 938,000 | 985,000 | 5.01% | |
Eifion Jones | 560,000 | 580,000 | 3.57% | |
John Collins | 500,000 | 520,000 | 4.00% | |
Susan Canning | 460,000 | 475,000 | 3.26% | |
Eric Sejourne | 470,000 | 485,000 | 3.19% |
40 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Named Executive Officer | Target Percentage (1) | |
Kevin Holleran | 115% | |
Eifion Jones | 75% | |
John Collins | 70% | |
Susan Canning | 60% | |
Eric Sejourne | 60% |
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 41 | |
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Performance Levels | Actual Performance | ||||
Performance Metrics (dollars in millions) | Weighting | Threshold (25% of Target) | Target (100%) | Maximum (200% of Target) | % of Target Payout Achieved |
Adjusted EBITDA (1) | 60% | ![]() | 114.5% | ||
Net Sales (2) | 30% | ![]() | 111.9% | ||
Cash Conversion Cycle (3) | 10% | ![]() | 147.3% | ||
Total Weighted Average | 117.0% | ||||






Named Executive Officer | Target Bonus ($) | Weighted Payout (%) | Earned Bonus ($)(1) | Bonus Paid ($)(2) | ||||
Kevin Holleran | 1,132,750 | 117.0% | 1,325,318 | 1,325,000 | ||||
Eifion Jones | 435,000 | 117.0% | 508,950 | 510,000 | ||||
John Collins | 364,000 | 117.0% | 425,880 | 425,000 | ||||
Susan Canning | 285,000 | 117.0% | 333,450 | 335,000 | ||||
Eric Sejourne | 291,000 | 117.0% | 340,470 | 340,000 | ||||
42 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Named Executive Officer | Aggregate Grant Date Target Value ($) | Annual RSU Target Value ($) | Annual RSU Grant (#) | Annual PSU Target Value ($) | Annual PSU Grant (#) | |
Kevin Holleran | 4,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 138,027 | 2,000,000 | 138,027 | |
Eifion Jones | 1,200,000 | 600,000 | 41,408 | 600,000 | 41,408 | |
John Collins | 750,000 | 375,000 | 25,880 | 375,000 | 25,880 | |
Susan Canning | 680,000 | 340,000 | 23,465 | 340,000 | 23,465 | |
Eric Sejourne | 550,000 | 275,000 | 18,979 | 275,000 | 18,979 |
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 43 | |
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Metric | Weighting | Calculation |
Net Sales Annual Growth Rate | ![]() | Determined by the three-year compound annual growth rate of total Net Sales, excluding the impact of foreign exchange |
Adjusted EBITDA Margin | ![]() | Determined by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by Net Sales |
Return on Gross Invested Capital | ![]() | Determined by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by the sum of the Company's gross property, plant, and equipment plus working capital |
44 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Performance Levels | Actual Performance | |||||
Performance Measure | Weighting | Threshold (25%) | Target (100%) | Maximum (200%) | % of Target Payout Achieved (3) | |
Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1) | 40% | ![]() | 150.0% | |||
Gross Profit Margin(1) | 40% | ![]() | 137.5% | |||
Return on Gross Invested Capital(2) | 20% | ![]() | 147.6% | |||






2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 45 | |
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Performance Measure | Weighting | Threshold (50%) | Target (100%) | Maximum (200%) | Earned % (2) | |
Adjusted EBITDA margin(1) | 50% | ![]() | 0% | |||
Return on Gross Invested Capital(1) | 50% | ![]() | 55% | |||




Named Executive Officer | # of PSUs Granted | # of PSUs Earned | ||
Kevin Holleran | 62,660 | 17,232 | ||
Eifion Jones | 18,290 | 5,030 | ||
John Collins | 9,420 | 2,591 | ||
Susan Canning | 11,304 | 3,109 |
46 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 47 | |
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48 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 49 | |
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Position | Ownership Guideline (multiple of base salary) |
Chief Executive Officer | 5x |
Chief Financial Officer | 3x |
Other Executive Officers | 1x |
50 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 51 | |
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Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) (1) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($) (2) | Option Awards ($) (3) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) (4) | All Other Compensation ($) (5) | Total ($) | |
Kevin Holleran President, Chief Executive Officer | 2025 | 975,962 | — | 4,113,204 | — | 1,325,000 | 322,616 | 6,736,782 | |
2024 | 938,000 | — | 3,700,008 | — | 1,156,366 | 229,575 | 6,023,949 | ||
2023 | 923,135 | 150,000 | 2,220,021 | 1,480,003 | — | 201,337 | 4,974,496 | ||
Eifion Jones Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | 2025 | 576,154 | — | 1,233,958 | — | 510,000 | 188,878 | 2,508,990 | |
2024 | 556,154 | 19,760 | 1,200,032 | — | 450,240 | 133,436 | 2,359,622 | ||
2023 | 531,731 | 125,000 | 648,015 | 432,000 | — | 92,053 | 1,828,799 | ||
John Collins Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer | 2025 | 516,154 | — | 771,224 | — | 425,000 | 166,018 | 1,878,395 | |
2024 | 500,000 | — | 3,750,028 | — | 375,200 | 127,590 | 4,752,818 | ||
2023 | 444,327 | 125,000 | 333,750 | 222,504 | — | 93,655 | 1,219,236 | ||
Susan Canning Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary | 2025 | 472,115 | — | 699,257 | — | 335,000 | 154,480 | 1,660,852 | |
2024 | 457,115 | — | 755,026 | — | 295,872 | 108,851 | 1,616,864 | ||
2023 | 440,192 | 125,000 | 623,001 | 267,004 | — | 87,966 | 1,543,163 | ||
Eric Sejourne Senior Vice President, Chief Global Operations Officer | 2025 | 482,115 | — | 565,574 | — | 340,000 | 155,963 | 1,543,652 | |
2024 | 325,385 | 133,000 | 722,014 | — | 280,000 | 98,704 | 1,559,103 | ||
52 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Name | 401(k) Plan ($) (a) | Supplemental Medical Plan ($) (b) | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan ($) (c) | Life Insurance ($) | Other (d) | Total ($) | |
Kevin Holleran | 21,000 | 18,000 | 279,746 | 3,870 | — | 322,616 | |
Eifion Jones | 21,000 | 18,000 | 146,008 | 3,870 | — | 188,878 | |
John Collins | 21,000 | 16,992 | 126,676 | 1,350 | — | 166,018 | |
Susan Canning | 21,000 | 18,000 | 111,610 | 3,870 | — | 154,480 | |
Eric Sejourne | 21,000 | 10,212 | 86,781 | 3,870 | 34,100 | 155,963 |
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 53 | |
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Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1) | Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plans (2) | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)(3) | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($) (4) | |||||||
Name | Grant Date | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | Threshold (#) | Target (#) | Maximum (#) | |||
Kevin Holleran | — | 283,188 | 1,132,750 | 2,492,050 | — | — | — | — | — | |
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | 58,661 | 138,027 | 317,462 | — | 2,113,193 | ||
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 138,027 | 2,000,011 | ||
Eifion Jones | — | 108,750 | 435,000 | 957,000 | — | — | — | — | — | |
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | 17,598 | 41,408 | 95,238 | — | 633,956 | ||
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 41,408 | 600,002 | ||
John Collins | — | 91,000 | 364,000 | 800,800 | — | — | — | — | — | |
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | 10,999 | 25,880 | 59,524 | — | 396,223 | ||
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25,880 | 375,001 | ||
Susan Canning | — | 71,250 | 285,000 | 627,000 | — | — | — | — | — | |
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | 9,973 | 23,465 | 53,970 | — | 359,249 | ||
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 23,465 | 340,008 | ||
Eric Sejourne | — | 72,750 | 291,000 | 640,200 | — | — | — | — | — | |
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | 8,066 | 18,979 | 43,652 | — | 290,568 | ||
2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 18,979 | 275,006 | ||
54 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Kevin Holleran | OPTION AWARDS (2) | STOCK AWARDS (2) | |||||||||
Name | Grant Date (1) | Approval Date | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable | Option exercise price ($) | Option expiration date | Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) | Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) | Equity incentive plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#) | Equity incentive plan awards: Market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($) (3) | |
Kevin Holleran | 12/24/2019 | 12/24/2019 | 2,575,142 | — | 1.40 | 12/24/2029 | — | — | — | — | |
3/11/2021 | 3/11/2021 | 607,235 | — | 17.00 | 3/11/2031 | — | — | — | — | ||
3/3/2022 | 3/1/2022 | 508,167 | — | 17.10 | 3/3/2032 | — | — | — | — | ||
3/2/2023 | 2/9/2023 | 60,887 | 104,300 | 11.80 | 3/2/2033 | 41,773 | 645,393 | 17,232 | 266,234 | ||
3/4/2024 | 2/29/2024 | — | — | — | — | 87,101 | 1,345,710 | 261,300 | 4,037,085 | ||
2/28/2025 | 2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | 138,027 | 2,132,517 | 138,027 | 2,132,517 | ||
Eifion Jones | 4/20/2020 | 4/20/2020 | 890,375 | — | 1.40 | 4/20/2030 | — | — | 47,594 | 735,333 | |
3/11/2021 | 3/11/2021 | 171,887 | — | 17.00 | 3/11/2031 | — | — | — | — | ||
3/3/2022 | 3/1/2022 | 134,908 | — | 17.10 | 3/3/2032 | — | — | — | — | ||
3/2/2023 | 2/9/2023 | 60,887 | 30,445 | 11.80 | 3/2/2033 | 12,194 | 188,397 | 5,030 | 77,714 | ||
3/4/2024 | 2/29/2024 | — | — | — | — | 33,899 | 523,740 | 67,800 | 1,047,510 | ||
2/28/2025 | 2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | 41,408 | 639,754 | 41,408 | 639,754 | ||
John Collins | 7/29/2022 | 7/19/2022 | 62,044 | — | 11.70 | 7/29/2032 | — | — | — | — | |
3/2/2023 | 2/9/2023 | 31,360 | 15,681 | 11.80 | 3/2/2033 | 6,281 | 97,041 | 2,591 | 40,031 | ||
3/4/2024 | 2/29/2024 | — | — | — | — | 21,187 | 327,339 | 42,376 | 654,709 | ||
9/13/2024 | 9/04/2024 | — | — | — | — | 221,239 | 3,418,143 | — | |||
2/28/2025 | 2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | 25,880 | 399,846 | 25,880 | 399,846 | ||
Susan Canning | 8/4/2021 | 8/4/2021 | 27,323 | — | 23.30 | 8/4/2031 | — | — | — | — | |
3/3/2022 | 3/1/2022 | 76,770 | — | 17.10 | 3/3/2032 | — | — | — | — | ||
3/2/2023 | 2/9/2023 | 37,632 | 18,817 | 11.80 | 3/2/2033 | 13,818 | 213,488 | 3,109 | 48,034 | ||
3/4/2024 | 2/29/2024 | — | — | — | — | 22,742 | 351,364 | 38,420 | 593,589 | ||
2/28/2025 | 2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | 23,465 | 362,534 | 23,465 | 362,534 | ||
Eric Sejourne | 5/3/2024 | 4/29/2024 | — | — | — | — | 15,571 | 240,572 | 31,140 | 481,113 | |
2/28/2025 | 2/28/2025 | — | — | — | — | 18,979 | 293,226 | 18,979 | 293,226 | ||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 55 | |
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Grant Date | Grant Type | Vesting Schedule | |
3/2/2023 | Stock Options | Unvested portion vested in two equal installments on March 2, 2025 and March 2, 2026. | |
3/2/2023 | PSUs | Award generally vests subject to the satisfaction of the three-year performance period and the executive’s continued employment with the Company. Reflects actual performance and generally any shares awarded would be issued in March 2026. | |
3/2/2023 | RSUs | Unvested portion vested in two equal installments on March 2, 2025 and March 2, 2026. | |
3/4/2024 | PSUs | Award generally vests subject to the satisfaction of the one-year performance period, subject to a three-year absolute TSR modifier, and the executive’s continued employment with the Company. Reflects maximum performance and generally any shares awarded would be issued in March 2027. | |
3/4/2024 | RSUs | Unvested portion vested in two of three equal installments on each of March 4, 2025 and March 4, 2026, with the remaining equal installment vesting on March 4, 2027, subject generally to the executive’s continued employment with the Company. | |
5/3/2024 | PSUs | Award generally vests subject to the satisfaction of the three-year performance period and the executive’s continued employment with the Company. Reflects maximum performance and generally any shares awarded would be issued in May 2027. | |
5/3/2024 | RSUs | Award vested with respect to 19,957 RSUs on May 3, 2025, and with respect to 7,785 RSUs on May 3, 2026, with the remaining 7,786 RSUs vesting on May 3, 2027, subject generally to the executive’s continued employment with the Company. | |
9/13/2024 | RSUs | Award vests in two equal installments, on each of September 13, 2027 and September 13, 2029, subject generally to the executive’s continued employment with the Company. | |
2/28/2025 | RSUs | Unvested portion vests in three equal installments, on each of February 28, 2026, February 28, 2027 and February 28, 2028, subject generally to the executive’s continued employment with the Company. | |
2/28/2025 | PSUs | Award generally vests subject to the satisfaction of the three-year performance period, subject to a three-year absolute TSR modifier, and the executive’s continued employment with the Company. Reflects maximum performance and generally any shares awarded would be issued in February 2028. |
56 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||
Name | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | Value Realized on Exercise ($) (1) | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) (2) | Value Realized on Vesting ($) (3) | ||
Kevin Holleran | 674,000 | 9,057,998 | 85,322 | 1,242,848 | ||
Eifion Jones | 100,000 | 1,434,300 | 29,142 | 424,810 | ||
John Collins | — | — | 20,016 | 293,129 | ||
Susan Canning | — | — | 25,185 | 366,636 | ||
Eric Sejourne | — | — | 19,957 | 280,196 | ||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 57 | |
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Name | Executive Contributions in Last FY (1) ($) | Registrant Contributions in Last FY (2) ($) | Aggregate Earnings in Last FY (3) ($) | Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions ($) | Aggregate Balance at Last FYE (4) ($) | |
Kevin Holleran | 428,846 | 279,746 | 684,248 | — | 5,095,188 | |
Eifion Jones | 97,754 | 146,008 | 106,339 | — | 1,148,135 | |
John Collins | 84,704 | 126,676 | 64,358 | — | 627,543 | |
Susan Canning | 72,641 | 111,610 | 81,967 | — | 722,750 | |
Eric Sejourne | 290,529 | 86,781 | 36,802 | — | 516,594 |
Name | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | |
Kevin Holleran | 97,596 | — | 331,250 | |
Eifion Jones | 51,854 | — | 45,900 | |
John Collins | 46,454 | — | 38,250 | |
Susan Canning | 42,491 | — | 30,150 | |
Eric Sejourne | 120,529 | — | 170,000 |
Name | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | |
Kevin Holleran | 2024 | 93,800 | — | 231,273 | |
2023 | 92,313 | 30,000 | — | ||
Eifion Jones | 2024 | 50,054 | 3,952 | 90,048 | |
2023 | 44,365 | 25,000 | — | ||
John Collins | 2024 | 45,000 | — | 33,768 | |
2023 | 39,989 | 11,250 | — | ||
Susan Canning | 2024 | 50,283 | — | 32,546 | |
2023 | 39,617 | 13,750 | — | ||
Eric Sejourne | 2024 | 39,058 | 33,250 | — | |
2023 | — | — | — |
58 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Name | Benefit | Death ($) | Disability ($) | Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason (no Change in Control) ($) | Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | |
Kevin Holleran | Cash (1) | 1,325,000 | 1,325,000 | 5,560,500 | 5,560,500 | |
Equity Acceleration (2) | — | — | — | 10,317,942 | ||
Value of Health Benefits | — | 28,789 | 28,789 | 28,789 | ||
Value of Retirement Contributions (3) | — | 211,298 | 211,298 | 211,298 | ||
Value of Outplacement Services (4) | — | — | 6,000 | 6,000 | ||
Total | 1,325,000 | 1,565,086 | 5,806,586 | 16,124,528 | ||
Eifion Jones | Cash (1) | 510,000 | 510,000 | 1,015,000 | 1,015,000 | |
Equity Acceleration (2) | — | — | — | 3,118,228 | ||
Value of Health Benefits | — | 28,789 | 28,789 | 28,789 | ||
Value of Retirement Contributions (3) | — | 112,050 | 112,050 | 112,050 | ||
Value of Outplacement Services (4) | — | — | 6,000 | 6,000 | ||
Total | 510,000 | 650,839 | 1,161,839 | 4,280,067 | ||
John Collins | Cash (1) | 425,000 | 425,000 | 884,000 | 884,000 | |
Equity Acceleration (2) | — | — | — | 5,515,476 | ||
Value of Health Benefits | — | 27,404 | 27,404 | 27,404 | ||
Value of Retirement Contributions (3) | — | 100,260 | 100,260 | 100,260 | ||
Value of Outplacement Services (4) | — | — | 6,000 | 6,000 | ||
Total | 425,000 | 552,664 | 1,017,664 | 6,533,140 |
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 59 | |
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Name | Benefit | Death ($) | Disability ($) | Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason (no Change in Control) ($) | Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control ($) | |
Susan Canning | Cash (1) | 335,000 | 335,000 | 760,000 | 760,000 | |
Equity Acceleration (2) | — | — | — | 1,961,348 | ||
Value of Health Benefits | — | 20,335 | 20,335 | 20,335 | ||
Value of Retirement Contributions (3) | — | 89,100 | 89,100 | 89,100 | ||
Value of Outplacement Services (4) | — | — | 6,000 | 6,000 | ||
Total | 335,000 | 444,435 | 875,435 | 2,836,784 | ||
Eric Sejourne | Cash (1) | 340,000 | 340,000 | 776,000 | 776,000 | |
Equity Acceleration (2) | — | — | — | 1,135,988 | ||
Value of Health Benefits | — | 19,481 | 19,481 | 19,481 | ||
Value of Retirement Contributions (3) | — | 90,540 | 90,540 | 90,540 | ||
Value of Outplacement Services (4) | — | — | 6,000 | 6,000 | ||
Total | 340,000 | 450,021 | 892,021 | 2,028,008 |
60 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 61 | |
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Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based on: | Net Income | Adjusted EBITDA(6) | |||||||
Year | Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO (1) ($) | Compensation Actually Paid to PEO (2)(3) ($) | Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs (4) ($) | Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (2)(3)(4) ($) | HAYW Total Shareholder Return (5) ($) | Peer Group Total Shareholder Return (5) ($) | ($ in millions) | ||
2025 | |||||||||
2024 | |||||||||
2023 | |||||||||
2022 | ( | ( | |||||||
62 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2025 | |||
PEO ($) | Average Non-PEO NEOs ($) | ||
Total Compensation from Summary Compensation Table | |||
Adjustments for Equity Awards | |||
Adjustment for grant date values in the Summary Compensation Table | ( | ( | |
Year-end fair value of unvested awards granted in the current year | |||
Year-over-year difference of year-end fair values for unvested awards granted in prior years | ( | ( | |
Fair values at vest date for awards granted and vested in current year | |||
Difference in fair values between prior year-end fair values and vest date fair values for awards granted in prior years | ( | ( | |
Forfeitures during current year equal to prior year-end fair value | |||
Total Adjustments for Equity Awards | ( | ( | |
Compensation Actually Paid (as calculated) | |||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 63 | |
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64 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 65 | |
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PROPOSAL 3 | RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Our Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends that the Stockholders Vote “FOR” the Ratification of the Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2026. | ![]() |
(in thousands) | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | |||
Audit Fees | $2,105 | $2,625 | |||
Audit-Related Fees | 5 | 45 | |||
Tax Fees | 16 | 46 | |||
All Other Fees | 2 | 264 | |||
Total Fees | $2,128 | $2,980 | |||
66 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2026. | ||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 67 | |
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68 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Name of Beneficial Owner | Shares(1) | % of Shares Outstanding | ||
Non-Employee Directors: | ||||
Kevin Brown (2) | 3,200,529 | 1.47% | ||
Diane Dayhoff | 37,337 | * | ||
Stephen Felice | 456,033 | * | ||
Ronald Keating | 36,356 | * | ||
Lawrence Silber | 203,337 | * | ||
Arthur Soucy | 159,010 | * | ||
Lori Walker | 39,337 | * | ||
Edward Ward | 29,985 | * | ||
Named Executive Officers: | ||||
Kevin Holleran (3) | 4,224,966 | 1.94% | ||
Eifion Jones | 1,495,352 | * | ||
John Collins | 151,560 | * | ||
Susan Canning | 211,930 | * | ||
Eric Sejourne | 26,204 | * | ||
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (16 total) | 10,293,839 | 4.73% | ||
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 69 | |
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Name of Beneficial Owner | Shares(1) | % of Shares Outstanding | ||
5% or Greater Stockholders: | ||||
BlackRock 50 Hudson Yards New York, NY 10001 | 22,976,015 | (4) | 10.56% | |
The Vanguard Group 100 Vanguard Boulevard Malvern, PA 19355 | 19,305,043 | (5) | 8.87% | |
JPMorgan Chase & Company 383 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10179 | 11,641,562 | (6) | 5.35% | |
70 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 71 | |
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72 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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Proposal | Vote Needed for Approval and Effect of Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes | |||
PROPOSAL NO. 1 To elect three nominees identified in this Proxy Statement as Class II directors to serve terms lasting until our 2029 annual meeting of stockholders and their successors are duly elected and qualified. | Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws state that directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Accordingly, the nominees that receive the highest number of votes cast “FOR” will be elected. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have no effect on this proposal. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines further state that, in an uncontested election of directors (such as this director election), if the votes “WITHHELD” from a director nominee exceed the votes cast “FOR” such nominee, the nominee shall be required to submit his or her resignation to the Board of Directors for its consideration. The Board will have the opportunity to determine whether to accept or reject such resignation in accordance with the Corporate Governance Guidelines. | |||
PROPOSAL NO. 2 To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers. | Pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are seeking an advisory vote from our stockholders to approve the compensation of our named executive officers for Fiscal Year 2025, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. This proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter affirmatively or negatively. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal. This vote is not binding upon the Company, our Board or the Compensation Committee. Nevertheless, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions expressed by stockholders in their vote on this proposal and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions regarding the Company’s named executive officers. | |||
PROPOSAL NO. 3 To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. | The ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter affirmatively or negatively. Abstentions and broker non-votes (if any) will have no effect on this proposal. Broker non-votes are not expected on this proposal. Stockholder ratification of the appointment of PwC is not required by the Company’s Bylaws, but if the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain PwC. |
2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 73 | |
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74 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || 75 | |
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2026 PROXY STATEMENT || A-1 | |
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Year Ended | ||||
(Dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2025 | |
Net income | $80,687 | $118,655 | $151,570 | |
Depreciation | 15,983 | 20,078 | 22,835 | |
Amortization | 37,079 | 35,783 | 34,451 | |
Interest expense, net | 73,584 | 62,163 | 50,282 | |
Income taxes | 20,400 | 25,527 | 33,067 | |
Loss on debt extinguishment | — | 4,926 | — | |
EBITDA | 227,733 | 267,132 | 292,205 | |
Stock-based compensation (a) | 1,270 | 608 | 57 | |
Currency exchange items (b) | 786 | (836) | 79 | |
Acquisition and restructuring related expense, net (c) | 13,213 | 6,464 | 3,886 | |
Other (d) | 4,271 | 4,079 | 3,052 | |
Total Adjustments | 19,540 | 10,315 | 7,074 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | $247,273 | $277,447 | $299,279 | |
Net income margin | 8.1% | 11.3% | 13.5% | |
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 24.9% | 26.4% | 26.7% | |
A-2 || 2026 PROXY STATEMENT | |
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(a) | Represents non-cash stock-based compensation expense related to equity awards issued to management, employees, and directors. The adjustment includes only expense related to awards issued under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, which were awards granted prior to the effective date of Hayward’s initial public offering (the “IPO”). | |
(b) (c) | Represents unrealized non-cash (gains) losses on foreign denominated monetary assets and liabilities and foreign currency contracts. | |
(d) | Adjustments in the year ended December 31, 2025 are primarily driven by $3.1 million of compensation expenses for the retention of key employees acquired in the ChlorKing acquisition pursuant to the conditions in the acquisition agreement. Other adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2025 include $0.4 million of costs related to restructuring actions in E&RW, $0.3 million of separation costs for the consolidation of operations in North America and $0.2 million of other acquisition and integration costs, partially offset by a reduction in expense of $0.2 million to finalize the relocation of the Company's corporate office functions to Charlotte, North Carolina from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. Adjustments in the year ended December 31, 2024 are primarily driven by $3.2 million of compensation expenses for the retention of key employees acquired in the ChlorKing acquisition pursuant to the conditions in the acquisition agreement. Other adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2024 include $1.1 million of transaction and integration costs associated with the acquisition of the ChlorKing business, $0.9 million of termination benefits related to a reduction-in-force within E&RW, $0.8 million of separation and other costs associated with the centralization and consolidation of operations in Europe and $0.4 million of costs to finalize restructuring actions initiated in prior years. Adjustments in the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily include $6.7 million of costs related to the discontinuation of a product line leading to an impairment of the associated fixed assets, inventory and intangible assets, $2.4 million related to programs to centralize and consolidate manufacturing operations and professional services in Europe, $1.9 million of costs associated with the relocation of the corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, $1.2 million separation costs associated with the 2022 cost reduction program and $0.8 million of costs associated with | |
Adjustments in the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily include $4.3 million for the settlement in principle of the securities class action litigation. Expenses beyond the $4.3 million related to this case are subject to insurance recoveries pursuant to the Company’s retention amount with its insurance carriers. Other adjustments include $1.3 million of income from insurance proceeds related to flood damage associated with a hurricane at a contract manufacturing facility. Adjustments in the year ended December 31, 2024 are primarily driven by a $3.3 million increase in cost of goods sold resulting from the fair value inventory step-up adjustment recognized as part of the purchase accounting for the acquisition of the ChlorKing business, $0.7 million of costs sustained from flood damage associated with a hurricane at a contract manufacturing facility and $0.5 million of costs incurred related to litigation, partially offset by $0.5 million of gains on the sale of assets. Adjustments in the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily include $1.8 million related to inventory and fixed asset write-offs in Europe and $1.5 million of costs incurred related to the selling stockholder offerings of shares in March, May and August 2023, which are reported in SG&A in our consolidated statements of operations. |




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