Leslie's, Inc. announced that it has appointed John Hartmann as an independent director to its Board of Directors, effective January 7, 2026. Mr. Hartmann brings nearly 25 years of retail leadership experience where he has executed successful turnaround as a C-suite executive of both public and private companies across diverse industries, including home improvement and home furnishings. He has joined the Board as a Class III Director and will stand for election at the Company?s 2026 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders.
With the addition of Mr. Hartmann, the Board will expand from eight to nine members. Mr. Hartmann most recently served as CEO of Ascend Wellness Holdings, and, prior to Ascend, as COO of Bed Bath & Beyond and President of buybuy Baby. Previously, he served as CEO of True Value and spent seven years at Home Depot and its subsidiary HD Supply, culminating in his role as Chief Operating Officer, HD Supply Electrical and Plumbing/HVAC.
Prior to that, he spent several years internationally as CEO of New Zealand?s market leading home improvement retailer, Mitre 10. Mr. Hartmann currently serves on the board of Boyd Group Services including as a member of the Audit and People Culture & Compensation Committees and has previously served on the boards of Franchise Resource Group (which owned The Vitamin Shoppe, Pet Supplies Plus and Buddy?s Home Furnishings), Ascend Wellness Holdings, HD Supply, and AmeriGas prior to its acquisition by UGI.
