Leslie's, Inc.

New York – October 15, 2026 -- The Ad Hoc Group of Term Lenders to Leslie's, Inc. intends to appoint Steven L. Ortega as chief executive officer of the pool and spa care retailer once it emerges from chapter 11 proceedings.

Leslie's describes itself as the largest direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. Ortega will advise the lender group and sit on a transformation committee for the duration of the bankruptcy case. The committee will advise on strategy and turnaround priorities.

Ortega returns after nearly two decades of senior roles at Leslie's

Ortega previously worked at Leslie's for almost 20 years. He served as chief financial officer, chief operating officer, president and CEO, and later as chairman of the board of directors.