Berkline names Burch president, CEO
By Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, March 23, 2009
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. — Upholstery major Berkline BenchCraft Holdings has named former Simmons executive Robert Burch as its president and CEO.
Burch will replace Bill Wittenberg, the company's president and CEO since 2002, on March 30.
Burch has more than 30 years of management experience — primarily in operations roles — and most recently was executive vice president of operations for bedding major Simmons Co. Earlier, he held several management posts at office furniture producer Steelcase.
“Rob has had an extensive general management background with demonstrated executive operations leadership in the furniture industry. He brings the right blend of experience to Berkline to further its growth strategy and accentuate the company's focus on strategic objectives,” said Christopher Metz, managing director of Sun Capital Partners, Berkline's majority owner.
No reason was given for Wittenberg's departure, but in a statement released by the company, Metz thanked him “for his many years of dedicated service.”
“We wish him well in his future endeavors as he pursues personal interests,” Metz said.
Sun Capital has been Berkline's majority owner since May 2007, when the investment firm led a recapitalization.
Berkline BenchCraft was formed in early 2002 when Berkline and BenchCraft were spun off from the now-defunct LifeStyle Furnishings International. At that time, the investment firm Code Hennessey & Simmons became the majority owner.
The Berkline brand is best known for recliners, motion furniture and home theater seating, while the BenchCraft brand primarily consists of stationary upholstery.
