Pool Systems appoints new Gold Coast sales centre manager
Pool Systems has appointed Helena Kerr as sales centre manager for the Gold Coast branch.
Kerr brings close to a decade of experience within the pool industry, having started her career with Zodiac before continuing with the business following its acquisition by Fluidra.
Throughout her career, she gained valuable hands-on experience within retail pool stores, including Poolwerx Shailer Park and Captain Nemo’s Helensvale, as well as experience in pool safety compliance.
Prior to entering the pool industry, Kerr built a strong background in customer service and operations within the banking sector, working with both Suncorp Bank in Australia and ASB Bank in New Zealand.
Kerr has joined the businesses at an exciting time for the Gold Coast branch and is looking forward to supporting customers and contributing to the continued growth of the region.
Marketing and digital coordinator Taylor Grigore acknowledges the outgoing manager Marly Espinosa.
“She has done a fantastic job leading the Gold Coast branch as sales centre manager over the past seven months,” he says.
“Marly has recently taken on a new opportunity within the business and will remain part of the Pool Systems team, with a further announcement to come in the near future.”
He says that as Pool Systems continues to strengthen its presence and invest in the Gold Coast region, Kerr will play a key role in supporting the next phase of growth for the branch.
“Further exciting updates for the region will be announced soon.”
PoolCorp board
Meanwhile, Pool Systems’ parent company, PoolCorp, has announced that its board of directors appointed John B Watwood as president and chief executive officer, effective May 4, 2026.
Peter D Arvan has stepped down as president and chief executive officer and as a member of the company’s board of directors on the same date.
John E Stokely, chair of the board, has also been appointed as executive chair.
Watwood is a seasoned operational leader with more than two decades of experience in industrial and specialty distribution, bringing strategic, operational, and sales expertise to PoolCorp.
He joined the company as executive vice president in January 2026. Prior to his transition to PoolCorp, Watwood most recently served as senior vice president of sales and operations at Motion Industries, a subsidiary of publicly traded Genuine Parts Company, and a leading distributor of industrial parts and value-added solutions, where he led growth and operational performance and strengthened customer relationships across the business.
Earlier in his career, he held positions at SMC Corporation of America and Applied Industrial Technologies.
“As PoolCorp continues to execute its strategic priorities, the board believes now is the right time for this leadership transition,” said Stokely.
“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. During his tenure at PoolCorp, John quickly earned the respect of the entire organisation and the board. I am pleased to announce his appointment and look forward to continuing to work closely with him to ensure that PoolCorp delivers on our mission.”
Stokely thanked Arvan on behalf of the board for his tireless efforts over the past nine years, and wished him continued success.
“Through a steadfast commitment to innovation and operational excellence, strengthened during Pete’s tenure, the company is well positioned for long-term value creation.”
Watwood says he is honoured to have the opportunity to lead this exceptional company and appreciate the board’s trust and support.
“My priority will be building upon the strong foundation already in place to continue as the best worldwide distributor of outdoor lifestyle products. I am excited to continue working with the talented PoolCorp team as we execute our strategy and continue delivering the exceptional value and service that have long defined PoolCorp.”
The appointment further supports PoolCorp’s continued global growth strategy, including its presence in Australia through Pool Systems Australia, part of the SCP International group.
IMAGE: Helena Kerr (Supplied, Pool Systems.)
