AquaStar Pool Products, Inc., announced a key internal promotion and the addition of three director-level employees to its growing team. These four individuals bring a diverse offering of talent and experience, both industry and external, to the organization.
“I’m excited about the expansion of our corporate team and know that this group will be making waves in the swimming pool industry for years to come,” says Olaf Mjelde, president and founder of AquaStar Pool Products. “Our team is ready for the challenge of serving in these unprecedented times within the swimming pool and spa industry.”
Todd Pieri was named chief operating officer of AquaStar in April. Pieri has been with the organization for more than 10 years, holding multiple roles that have helped expand AquaStar’s presence in the market. He also brings knowledge of the distribution side of the business to this promotion. Previously vice president of sales, Pieri oversaw the field sales team activities and managed key customer relationships. “Todd has been an integral part of our company’s explosive growth over the past decade,” Mjelde says. “His knowledge of our business and customers, as well as his commitment to the team, is unparalleled.”
Ryan Faerber joined AquaStar as the company’s new director of sourcing and strategic planning. He has over 15 years of experience in a variety of industries, including consumer products, retail, private equity and manufacturing. Faerber brings a wealth of knowledge in analytics, consumer products and sourcing activities. Most recently holding a senior position at Harbor Freight Tools with extensive international work experience, Faerber earned an MBA in finance from the Wharton School of Business and is fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.
Jim Ange joins the AquaStar team as the company’s new director of engineering. As the owner of an engineering consulting company, Ange worked with AquaStar in a consulting role for over 12 years before joining the team full time. Ange’s experience with injection molding, research and development, and new product design has played a key role in AquaStar’s ongoing success.
Jamie Novak is the newest member of the AquaStar team, joining in May as the director of branding and communications. With over 16 years in the pool industry, Novak will act as a brand ambassador relying on her experience with brand management, customer relationships and communications. Previously with Natural Chemistry (a division of Kik Consumer Products and BioLab), Novak recently earned an MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School with concentrations in leading organizations and marketing.
