Industry icon Vance Gillette has taken a position on the Board of Directors at Premier Pools Management Corp., the Rancho Cordova, Calif. company with licensed locations throughout the country.

“We were looking for an individual who not only possessed keen insight and strong business acumen, but who intimately understands the unique culture of Premier ...,” said Paul Porter, CEO of PPMC. “No one fits that bill like Vance Gillette.”

In April, Gillette retired from his post as vice president of business development at Zodiac Pool Systems, in Vista, Calif., after 47 years in the industry.

Besides the various positions he’s held since a teen, Gillette is known as an industry advocate who often spoke out in favor of positive image promotion. He expressed a compatibility between his outlook and Porter’s.

“For over 25 years I have admired Paul Porter’s company vision, culture and outstanding leadership,” Gillette said. “He has brought a renewed energy and positive outlook to an industry that got hit pretty hard in the last several years.”

PPMC licenses to more than 40 independently owned and operated Premier Pools & Spas locations. It has ranked No. 1 in Pool & Spa News’ Top 50 Builder list.