Sealy Names Larry Rogers as President and CEO

Furniture World News

Sealy Corporation announced that Lawrence J. "Larry" Rogers has been named as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Rogers has served as interim CEO since March 12, 2008. Since joining Sealy in 1979, Mr. Rogers has held various roles within the organization including his most recent position as President of Sealy North America, which he has held since December 2006, as well as President of Sealy International and President of Sealy Canada. Paul Norris, Sealy's Chairman of the Board stated, "The Board has conducted a thorough search and we were extremely impressed with the number and quality of candidates that were put forward for consideration. After careful review, the Board determined that Larry possesses the most unique and compelling set of skills and qualities to lead the Company. With over thirty years of experience in the bedding industry, including serving as the President of Sealy's International and North American businesses, and most recently as interim CEO, he has established solid customer relationships and a deep understanding of our Company and the industry. Larry has proven through his leadership in executing the launch of the new Posturepedic innerspring and PurEmbrace Smart Latex lines, as well as instituting a more diligent focus on controlling costs throughout the organization, that he is the right person to lead this Company." Mr. Rogers commented, "I am pleased to be taking on the role of Sealy's President and Chief Executive Officer. We have a strong management team in place, and we will remain focused on making further progress on our strategic initiatives, including completing the rollout of our new product lines, driving ongoing new product innovation, and continuing to streamline our cost structure as we become a leaner organization. I am confident that these actions will strengthen our position as the market share leader in the industry with even stronger growth potential." About Sealy: Sealy is the largest bedding manufacturer in the world with sales of $1.7 billion in 2007. The Company manufactures and markets a broad range of mattresses and foundations under the Sealy®, Sealy Posturepedic®, Stearns & Foster®, and Bassett® brands. Sealy operates 26 plants in North America, and has the largest market share and highest consumer awareness of any bedding brand on the continent. In the United States, Sealy sells its products to 2,900 customers with more than 7,000 retail outlets. Sealy is also a leading supplier to the hospitality industry. For more information, please visit www.sealy.com .