People on the Move

By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 11, 2007

Executives

1800mattress

New York — Bedding retailer 1800mattress.com has promoted William Johnson to chief operating officer and John O'Connell to executive vice president.

Johnson joined the company as vice president and chief financial officer in 2002. Last year, he was promoted to executive vice president and general manager, overseeing finance, legal, information technology and operations.

O'Connell joined the company in 2003 as vice president of retail sales and helped the company open its first bricks-and-mortar stores, which it operates in addition to its call center and Internet business. He was promoted a year ago to senior vice president and given added responsibility for merchandising.

With his current promotion to executive vice president, he takes on responsibility for call center operations as a result of the recent resignation of Greg Nooney as vice president of the call center.

Johnson and O'Connell report to founder and CEO Napoleon Barragan.

In addition to the promotions, Executive Vice President Joe Vicens has added responsibilities as head of an international sales initiative in addition to his national portfolio.

Also, Vice President of Human Resources Kathy Desmond adds responsibility for customer service. Barragan retains responsibility for strategic planning.

Operations

Simmons

Atlanta — Bedding major Simmons has promoted Tom Brkanovic to vice president-credit services, from director of credit services for Simmons.

Since joining Simmons in 2003, Brkanovic's efforts have led to improved efficiencies in the credit department and better customer service, as well as increased cash flow to the company, Simmons said.

"Tom's expertise and leadership have contributed significantly to the development and performance of the company's credit department and to our ongoing financial success," said Simmons Senior Vice President and Treasurer Brian Breen. "Tom's promotion is well-deserved and a result of his ability to motivate the entire team, combined with his own tremendous work ethic and drive."

Marketing/Sales

A-America

Seattle — Dean Banks has been promoted to vice president, sales and marketing at furniture resource A-America, responsible for managing all sales efforts in the Western region as well as selected national accounts.

He also has assumed a broader administrative role with the customer care and sales support department.

Kaylene Wetzstein, director of sales administration, reports to him.

Banks reports to A-America President Fred Rohrbach.

He joined A-America a year ago and was director of sales and marketing, Western region. A former professional baseball player, he is a veteran of the distribution business, previously managing sales and distribution in the grocery industry.

"While it's a different product, the principles of distribution and customer responsiveness are the same, and Dean has successfully used his expertise, working with our merchandising team, to develop exciting new programs and products that we are now introducing to our customers," said Rohrbach.

Banks works closely with industry veteran Bill Cubberley, who continues in his consulting role to Rohrbach on sales strategy and product development, while focusing on the eastern United States and major accounts.

Leather Italia USA

Leland, N.C. — Marshall Evans has been promoted to the new post of vice president, national sales director at Leather Italia USA.

He joined the leather upholstery source's customer service department four years ago, and most recently was vice president of sales.

Evans' new responsibilities include working with top national accounts, while continuing his duties as sales manager.

He reports to President and CEO Michael Campbell.

"Marshall has done an exceptional job and has been a great part of our growth and success over the past years," Campbell said.

Springwall Sleep Products

Mississauga, Ontario — Springwall Sleep Products here has promoted Steve Amis to the new post of director of key accounts, responsible for relationships with buying groups and major retailers.

He also will oversee the bedding producer's sales efforts in greater Toronto.

Amis, a Springwall veteran, previously was director of sales.

"This new position gives Steve the freedom to concentrate on working with critical retail accounts, as well as developing our potential in this country's single largest urban market," said Mark Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing.

Amis reports to Campbell.

Tommy Bahama Group

New York — The Tommy Bahama Group, which licenses a furniture line at Lexington, has named Sharon Osen vice president of marketing and creative services, a new post.

She will assess and enhance the brand's vision, positioning, imagery, advertising and consumer experience.

Osen has over 10 years of brand strategy, consulting and agency experience at Interbrand, Desgrippes Gobe and Siegel & Gale.

Her clients have included JCPenney, Victoria's Secret, American Eagle Outfitters, IBM, Aramark and Yankee Candle.

She also has 15 years of corporate marketing experience, having held posts in brand management and global business developments at Colgate Palmolive, L'Oreal and The Gillette Co.

At Tommy Banama, she reports to President and CEO Tony Margolis.

Contact us

Retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and trade groups are invited to send releases and photographs for appointments, promotions and awards to: People/Today, P.O. Box 2754, High Point, N.C. 27261. Releases also can be faxed to (336) 605-1143 or e-mailed to gerri.hunt@reedbusiness.com. Please include a phone number.