Interview with Kevin Holleran, CEO at Hayward, and Darío Vicario, EMEA Vice-President
Hayward is celebrating its centenary in 2026 by reaffirming its standing one of the major international benchmarks in the pool industry. With a long-standing track record shaped by innovation and a commitment to sustainability, the company is arriving in Piscina Barcelona with its sights set on the future. In this interview, its CEO Kevin Holleran and EMEA Vice-President Darío Vicario Ramírez share their views on the challenges and opportunities within the industry, Europe’s strategic role and the trends set to define the coming decade, including digitisation, energy efficiency and sustainability.
Hayward’s centenary and purpose
What does it mean for Hayward to celebrate 100 years of history?
Kevin Holleran: celebrating our centenary isn’t just about looking back, it’s a matter of reaffirming our commitment to the future. It’s an opportunity to see how we’ve evolved without foregoing our roots and how we’re continuing to innovate and provide more sustainable, connected and user-friendly solutions. This anniversary is also reinforcing our social commitment, as demonstrated by our collaboration with initiatives such as Step Into Swim.
And what’s the secret to turning a hundred years old?
K.H.: the secret lies in our ability to evolve without losing our essence. We’ve succeeded in combining tradition and innovation, adapting to market changes and anticipating trends. What sets us apart is our long-term vision, our commitment to sustainability and our close relationship with our customers. We don’t just make products, we create trust.
Global strategy and the role played by Europe
What role does Europe play in Hayward’s global strategy?
Darío Vicario: Europe is a strategic hub for Hayward. We have far-reaching operations in the European market which are supported by a stable industrial and logistical network. With our head offices in Madrid, factories in Catalonia and a distribution centre in France, we can produce locally and rapidly meet market needs.
What factors are driving Hayward’s growth in Europe?
D.V.: our European growth is based on several pillars: the rise of connected solutions, the development of the aftermarket (which accounts for 80% of our revenues) and the growing demand for eco-friendly products. Our European structure based on industrial strength and commercial flexibility enables us to effectively support the industry’s professionals throughout the region.
Innovation, sustainability and technology
How is Hayward’s commitment to sustainability reflected in its products and processes?
K.H.: sustainability lies at the heart of our strategy. Each year we invest millions in R&D to develop eco-designed products such as variable-speed pumps and backwash-free filters, which can lead to energy savings of up to 85%. Since 2021 we’ve helped to save 2.4 billion kWh. We’re also optimising our industrial processes to reduce waste and improve the durability of our components.
What changes in product trends are you observing? What about the profile of the current-day consumer?
K.H.: we’re witnessing a clear transition towards smart and connected products capable of remotely managing pools and optimising energy consumption. End consumers are becoming more digital, better-informed and more demanding in terms of sustainability. They’re looking for solutions that combine ease of use, efficiency and respect for the environment.
What is Hayward investing in or intending to invest in over the coming years?
K.H.: we’re investing in R&D to develop technologies that reduce energy consumption and improve the user experience. We’re also devoting resources to the digitisation of our industrial processes and the expansion of our production capacity in Europe. We’ve also enhanced our connected platform to deliver comprehensive and remote pool management.
Vision for the future
What are the Hayward Group’s priorities for the next five years?
K.H.: our priorities are clear: to remain at the forefront of responsible innovation, bolster our operations in strategic markets such as Europe, accelerate the development of connected and sustainable solutions and maintain solid growth in the aftermarket segment, which accounts for 80% of our revenues. Without abandoning our social and environmental commitment.
What is the company’s vision for the future of the pool industry?
K.H.: we envisage a more responsible, connected and user-centred industry. We want to lead the transformation towards pools that are simpler to manage and more sustainable and intelligent. This entails ongoing innovation, reinforcing our European roots and maintaining our focus on energy efficiency, connectivity and people’s well-being.
The European and Spanish markets
What strikes you most about the Spanish market with respect to other segments of the pool industry?
D.V.: the Spanish market displays great vitality and has a significant residential segment. Unlike Germany, where the focus is more on technical efficiency, and France, where aesthetics and design are highly important, consumers in Spain seek comprehensive solutions combining technology, ease of use and energy savings.
Have you noticed any changes in the trends within the industry in the last one and a half years?
D.V.: yes, there’s been a clear shift towards digitisation and sustainability. Customers are demanding connected products that enable them to manage their pools via their mobiles and solutions that reduce energy and water consumption. This trend has intensified in the wake of the pandemic and due to greater environmental awareness.
Prospects and challenges for the sector
How do you assess the current situation facing the pool industry around the world? What differences between the different segments can you see? USA:/ Europe / Australia?
K.H.: the pool industry is undergoing a global transformation. In the United States, the market is better established and geared towards automation and connectivity. Conversely, Europe displays high demand for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions driven by environmental regulations and more conscious consumers. Australia excels in its focus on durability and resilience, due to the demanding climatic conditions there. In all these cases, the common trend is a search for comfort, savings and technology.
What are the future threats facing the Spanish pool industry?
D.V.: the main threats are the regulatory pressure regarding environmental issues and rising energy costs, which may affect demand if efficient solutions can’t be found. We must also be mindful of international competition and the need to maintain a streamlined and resilient supply chain.
Cristina Benavides
Piscina Barcelona Associate
