Simmons names EVP
David Perry -- Furniture Today, August 22, 2005
Atlanta — Bedding major Simmons has hired former Steelcase executive Robert Burch as executive vice president of operations.
Burch, most recently Steelcase's vice president of order fulfillment for North America, joins Simmons as part of a corporate restructuring plan.
"We are confident that Rob's superior management skills and experience in world-class manufacturing and logistics will be significant assets to our global business processes," said Charlie Eitel, chairman and CEO of Simmons. "We look forward to tapping into Rob's expertise to further streamline our operations and strengthen our leadership position in the industry."
The corporate restructuring at Simmons resulted in the departure of Bob Hellyer, president, and the decision to fill the EVP operations position, which had been vacant for the past two years. That position should report to Eitel, the Simmons board said.
Burch's main responsibilities will be Simmons' manufacturing, supply chain, quality and process engineering functions. He will oversee the work of more than 2,000 employees at 20 manufacturing facilities.
"It is an honor for me to join the Simmons team," Burch said. "We have a great opportunity to further transform our key operations processes ... to achieve additional competitive advantages."
Burch spent 26 years with Steelcase, an office furniture manufacturer. He led the rationalization of order management functions, implemented new planning scheduling systems and developed a new logistics and transportation network for North America. He also previously led Steelcase's North American Core Product Mfg. and introduced lean manufacturing programs based on the Toyota system.
