The bedding carousel can spin along merrily for years, with the same group of leaders on board. But then it will stop, sometimes unexpectedly, to let a president off, or to pick up a new one.

That happened last month, with Restonic President Carlene Evenson Peterson announcing she will be leaving by the end of the year. (see related story)

A few days later, the carousel stopped altogether as Larry McKay, president of Comfort Solutions by King Koil, left that group. (see related story)

There was, of course, much talk about those departures during the October market. The bedding community is a close-knit one, and many leaders know one another well. There is a great deal of interest in those who lead our industry.

McKay's departure seemed to create the biggest stir. He had been president of Comfort Solutions since joining the group in 2001. Before that he had a long run at Sealy, spent several years at Spring Air, and also devoted a year to Serta. He's been a good friend since I returned to the bedding beat in the same year he joined Comfort Solutions/King Koil.

I admire the classy way McKay handled his departure. "I've had a good career in the bedding industry, with many friends and many successes," he told me on the day he announced he had left. "I'm looking forward to my next success." McKay did a great deal for Comfort Solutions. He has much to offer to another bedding company.

With Peterson's impending departure, the industry will lose the first woman to head a Top 15 bedding producer. I'm not suggesting that her gender had anything to do with her plans to leave. "Gender was not the issue," one veteran bedding leader said.

Restonic Chairman Tony Weiler said this: "This has been a pretty busy year for her and for Restonic. I think she realized one year would be enough." He also said she had completed key assignments given to her.

Peterson has not spoken publicly about her decision to leave. But the track record for recent Restonic leaders does say something. Ed Scott was president for nine years. Kevin Toman, who followed, was president for 18 months. Peterson has been president for 11 months. Restonic clearly needs some stability in the president's office.

Peterson is known for her strengths in operations. I hope she finds a good home for those skills.

We don't know who the next leader of Restonic will be. At Comfort Solutions, Dave Roberts was named chief operating officer as McKay left, and last week also was named president. Good luck, Dave.

And the carousel spins on.