Protect-A-Bed hires Marc de Grave to run new Canadian operation

Michael Knell -- Furniture Today, January 11, 2012

Marc de Grave

GUELPH, Ontario — Protect-A-Bed has named industry veteran Marc de Grave as its vice president of business development for the Canadian market in the wake of the protection specialist's split from Caber Sure Fit.

Protect-A-Bed will service the Canadian market directly under de Grave's leadership. For the first time, the company will also have its own presence at the Canadian Home Furnishings Market, which opens Saturday in Toronto.

"We're excited to bring our global resources and brand awareness to our new office in Canada, which will position us for expansion in many business channels," James Bell, CEO of Chicago-based Protect-A-Bed, said in a statement.

Bell said Protect-A-Bed intends to bring "a rich value proposition to the Canadian office," including innovative product, customer service support and access to product trainers.

"We have a commitment to release new products that will exceed consumers' expectations," he said. "We're excited to have Marc's vast experience and knowledge of the marketplace to lead this effort in Canada."

De Grave has worked in sales and marketing for more than 25 years, including as vice president of sales and marketing for Coats, a thread manufacturer whose clients include furniture and mattress producers. He was also vice president of Caber between November 2009 and late 2010.

"I am truly delighted to be part of the PAB team. Protect-A-Bed is the leader of the pack when it comes to mattress protection and their global marketing initiatives are second to none," de Grave said. "They bring to market not only great quality products, but products that are needed by all and the sales and marketing support that few companies can actually provide."

Bell said Protect-A-Bed will offer its full "Healthy Sleep Zone" offering to Canadian retailers as well as its enhanced warranty registration program.

Canadian retailers signing on with PAB also will get access to its sales associates, trainers, customer service representatives and administrative personnel. Bell said a key element of Protect-A-Bed's focus is a training program to educate retailers - and their consumers - about the products' benefits and features.

"Protect-A-Bed's professional training program frequently trains sales representatives across the world," he said. "We're excited to make this available to our customers in Canada."

Bell said Protect-A-Bed now operates in 30 countries worldwide.

At TCHFM, it will show in space 5462 of the International Centre.