On Sept. 1, Anthony & Sylvan will have a new CEO.
The pool building and retailing powerhouse announced the retirement of CEO Stuart Neidus after 17 years, effective Aug. 31. He’ll remain chairman of the board of directors.
In his place, Mark Koide, who joined A&S as vice president of marketing last year, will lead the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based company as the new CEO.
“After 17 years there are many proud moments,” Neidus said. “But certainly leading the navigation of A&S through the financial downturn and emerging as a stronger company has to be near the top of the list.”
Under Neidus’ leadership, the company weathered through the recent Great Recession and continues to respond to an ever-changing retail market. This spring, the company upgraded its online store and adding the ability for customers to manage personal accounts and schedule service appointments online in some areas.
“We are well positioned for increasing profitability and growth,” Koide said. “We’ll continue making progress and build upon the strong foundation that Stu has laid.”
Prior to A&S, Koide was the CEO and chief marketing officer of Orthofeet Inc., and leading food companies Mars Inc., Pepperidge Farms/Campbell Soup Co. and Kraft Foods.
"The Board and I are grateful to Stu for his leadership, integrity and passion in guiding A&S these past 17 years and positioning it well for the future,” said Thomas Waldin, a director on the board. “While he will no longer be involved with the day-to-day activities of the business, we are thrilled to have his continued guidance and input at the board level.”
During Neidus’ tenure, the company became the first publicly traded pool building firm – the IPO was in August 1999 – and then went private again in 2003.
Strategic acquisitions expanded the reach of A&S while Neidus helmed the company, including Tango Pools in Las Vegas and Pools by Andrew in Florida. He also expanded the company into new markets, strengthening A&S’ presence.
“The industry is bouncing back after a rough few years,” Neidus added. “I have no doubt that Mark and the A&S team will continue to build on the strong foundation and its industry leading position while strengthening both the company and the swimming pool industry overall.”
Neidus isn’t retiring in the traditional sense, though. He said he plans to “devote a very substantial percentage of my time to a Cleveland private financial services company established by a very high net worth and philanthropic family that I have had a relationship with for over 40 years.”
