Poolwerx Appoints Franchise Industry Leader as the New U.S. and ANZ Chairperson

Poolwerx has appointed Russ Reynolds as the new chairperson to continue supercharging Poolwerx’s ambitious growth, innovation and technology goals, the company announced. With more than 30 years of experience in leading retail and services brands across multiple franchise networks, Reynolds has implemented growth strategies and technology improvements that have driven impressive and sustainable outcomes.

After leading GNB Technologies ANZ Automotive Division, the North American Motive Power Division, and the Global Automotive Division for 13 years, Reynolds moved into retail franchising with Batteries Plus as a principal and CEO, accelerating the company’s growth to over 600 stores and generating $600 million in system revenue.

Continuing his franchising journey, he has since worked with commercial cleaning franchise Jan Pro and, in 2021, became the first CEO of Spotless Brands where he transitioned to a Board and Advisory role.

Executive director and founder of Poolwerx John O’Brien says Russ’s experience in technology and innovation will bring a new perspective to the brand to continue driving growth across Australia, New Zealand and America. “Russ’s impressive expertise in driving impactful change through continuous improvement will be an invaluable asset to Poolwerx as we continue to navigate a shifting business landscape with agile responses,” he says. "A core value of Poolwerx is to constantly evolve to honor our key values ‘dare to succeed’ and ‘find the better way’ — I am confident that with Russ as chairman, we will continue to realize the vision we set 30 years ago.”

Supercharging growth has been of keen interest to Poolwerx. In July 2022, the franchise announced an ambitious global growth path by partnering with leading global investment firm Norwest.

“Poolwerx has achieved impressive business growth in the first year of Norwest’s partnership with the company,” says Sonya Brown, Poolwerx board member and general partner at Norwest. “Having demonstrated it can navigate through even the most turbulent market, we are even more optimistic about Poolwerx's potential for rapid expansion in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. We welcome Russ as our new board chair and look forward to partnering with him and the rest of the Poolwerx team to offer new and enhanced products and services for the growing pool and spa market.”

Mr. Reynolds says it was Poolwerx’s adaptability and progressive forward-thinking that attracted him to the business. “I’ve long admired Poolwerx’s ability to always be ahead of trends and set a new standard of excellence in franchising that’s respected across all industries, so I’m incredibly excited to join such an innovative company and help drive meaningful change,” says Mr. Reynolds. “I’ve led many companies through expansion and change, so I’m looking forward to bringing my expertise to a business that is looking for new and innovative expansion methods while staying true to the core ethos of their people-first business.”

Russ Reynolds is succeeding Troy Hazard, who contributed greatly to the company’s overseas expansion and amplification of its global potential.