Simmons Company Names New Chief Executive

Furniture World Magazine

Simmons Company, a leading branded bedding company, announced that Charles R. Eitel has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Zenon Nie, who resigned to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Eitel, the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Interface, Inc., a leading global manufacturer and marketer of floorcoverings, interior fabrics and architectural raised floors, has a track record of growing successful businesses. In his six year tenure with Interface, the Company's sales doubled, it's operating income increased dramatically and it was named by Fortune Magazine as one of the top 100 companies to work for in America. Earlier in his career, Mr. Eitel served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Collins & Aikman Floorcoverings, Carriage Industries and Coronet carpets. Charlie Eitel brings to Simmons a solid record of building businesses, He possesses the leadership skills and marketing savvy to take this company to the next level of its growth," said Peter Lamm, Chairman and Chief Executive of Fenway Partners, the majority owner of Simmons. Mr. Launm added, "We want to acknowledge the significant contribution Zenon Nie made to the company and we wish Z success in his future endeavors." Fenway Partners, a New York based investment firm, owns approximately 75 percent of Simmons. Mr. Eitel, said, "'Simmons produces superior products with outstanding brand recognition. I am looking forward to working with its talented group of employees, We plan to grow the business through continued product innovation and proactively responding to the specific needs of our customers, thereby building long-term shareholder value." Founded in 1871, Simmons is a leading manufacturer and distributor of premium branded bedding products in the U.S. and the world leader in Pocketed Coil™ innerspring technology. The company designs, manufactures, distributes and licenses a broad range of mattresses, box springs, bedding frames and sleep accessories under well recognized brand names, including Simmons®, Beautyrest®, BackCare®, Connoisseur Collection, and Maxipedic®. Simmons' product lines are sold throughout the U.S. in specialty sleep shops, department and furniture. stores and other retail outlets, and around the world through international licensing agreements. Headquartered in Atlanta, Simmons manufactures its products in 18 facilities in the U.S. and license & its products in 17 countries on five continents, Simmons employs 2,800 people.