Dick Doyle resigns as ISPA president
Had led sleep trade group since 2002
Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, August 13, 2009
 Dick Doyle |
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — International Sleep Products Assn. president Dick Doyle, who has been under fire in recent weeks in the wake of a contentious patent infringement suit filed by Tempur-Pedic, has resigned his post.
Doyle had headed ISPA since 2002.
A statement from ISPA's executive committee said Doyle stepped down "to pursue other professional opportunities." The statement said a three-person transition committee has been appointed to, among other things, oversee the search process for Doyle's replacement.
In the interim, the trade group's day-to-day operations will be managed by Ryan Trainer, ISPA executive vice president and general counsel, and Debi Sutton, vice president of marketing and member services.
"I would like to thank Dick Doyle for the work he has done over the last seven years," said ISPA Chairman Don Wright, who also is CEO of mattress label producer Wright of Thomasville. "He was a tireless advocate for our industry in Washington, and had a passion for furthering the banding of the industry in the minds of consumers."
Wright became ISPA chairman less than two weeks ago after Rick Anderson, president of Tempur-Pedic North America, stepped down from the post.
Anderson's tenure as chairman became controversial after Tempur-Pedic filed a patent infringement suit against more than a dozen mattress producers and suppliers, including some ISPA members.
Several ISPA members resigned to protest Anderson remaining as chairman after the suit was filed, and Doyle was harshly criticized by some members over his handling of the situation.
"In assessing the transition period the organization was about to enter, Dick felt it was an opportunity for him to explore other professional challenges," Wright said.
In addition to Wright, the transition committee consists of former ISPA Chairman Charlie Eitel, vice chairman of Simmons; and executive committee member Gerry Borreggine, president and CEO of Therapedic.
Wright said the committee will reevaluate ISPA's strategic plan and explore ways to boost membership.
"As we embark on this new beginning for ISPA, I encourage all industry leaders to take part in this important discussion," he said. "I have complete confidence that the future of the association is bright, and that the importance of a strong association has never been more critical."
No timetable has been set to hire a replacement for Doyle, who was paid $320,116 in 2007, according to the nonprofit group's tax return.
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Doyle resigns at ISPA
Aug 17, 2009
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