Tempur-Pedic revamps sales
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, August 26, 2002
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fast-growing mattress producer Tempur-Pedic has restructured its retail sales efforts into three divisions and added a well-known industry executive to its ranks.
Chris Henning, formerly senior vice president of sales and marketing at IBC Group, has joined the company as division vice president, central, responsible for sales to furniture and specialty retailers in that region.
Before joining IBC, Henning had a 10-year association with Simmons.
Tempur-Pedic, based here, also promoted John Miller, formerly a regional sales manager for the company, to division vice president, west. Miller has extensive industry experience, including senior management posts with Sealy and Simmons.
Lee White, formerly vice president of retail sales, has been named division vice president, east. He will also handle national accounts such as Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens 'N Things.
Dave Fogg, president of Tempur-Pedic's Retail Division, said the restructuring will allow the company to keep pace with its rapid growth.
"We've been enjoying an overall average sales growth of 49% yearly," he said. "This new structure will allow us to better serve our retail customers nationwide."
Founded in 1992, Tempur-Pedic manufactures and distributes Swedish mattresses and pillows made from a visco-elastic material originally developed for the NASA space program. It sells through retail channels, in addition to direct marketing.
The Retail Division currently shows at the High Point and San Francisco markets, and also exhibits at the Futon and Specialty Sleep shows. Beginning in 2004, the division will show at the planned Las Vegas furniture market. Fogg said he expects that market to attract a strong base of retailers.
