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Steve Fendrich joins Mattress Firm

Named to new position as chief strategy officer

David Perry -- Furniture Today, September 10, 2010

Steve Fendrich

HOUSTON — Former Simmons president Steve Fendrich is joining Mattress Firm as chief strategy officer, a new position. Fendrich is a co-founder of Mattress Firm, a major bedding specialty retailer based here.

Fendrich will report to Steve Stagner, Mattress Firm CEO, and oversee the company's aggressive growth plans, the company said.

"I have a long professional and personal history with Steve Fendrich that dates back over 18 years," Stagner said. "I trust in his vision, leadership and ability to strategically drive sustainable and profitable growth. Steve's experience and relationships across the industry afford him a unique position to help us accomplish our aggressive goals. We are excited to have an in-house expert who will keep the company focused through the formulation and execution of our strategy."

Strategic development is a key element of Mattress Firm's success, officials said. The addition of a chief strategy officer allows the organization to build on its momentum and focus on planned and managed growth through new stores, new markets, multi-channel sales, franchising and acquisitions, the company said.

"I am thrilled to be coming back to my roots and rejoining Mattress Firm," Fendrich said. "I can't think of a more exciting opportunity in the industry than this one. Mattress Firm has built an industry-leading management team and is on the cusp of greatness. I am honored to be part of its next growth chapter."

Fendrich co-founded Mattress Firm in 1986 with Harry Roberts and Paul Stork. During his 15-year tenure with the company, he was involved in all areas of the business but focused primarily on the financial, franchising and real estate functions. During the past 10 years, Fendrich has held a variety of roles within the industry including president and CEO of Sleep Country USA, executive vice president of sales and then president and COO of Simmons Bedding Co. Fendrich left Simmons this past July, when Gary Fazio, then chairman of Mattress Firm, was named CEO of Simmons.

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Fendrich joins Mattress Firm as chief strategy officer

Nov 4, 2010

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