Sealy Mattress Corporation Announces Top Management Changes

Furniture World Magazine

Sealy Mattress Corporation announced a new hire and organizational changes. -James B. Hirshorn, 39, has been appointed Senior Executive Vice President, Finance, Operations, and R&D, a newly created post. Formerly Mr. Hirshorn was CFO. The position was created in response to Sealy’s ongoing focus on enhancing performance, managing costs and improving cross-functional efforts. -Jeff Ackerman, 42, has joined Sealy as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “Jim’s extensive experience throughout this organization in managing the growth Sealy has experienced over the past two years makes him an excellent choice for this position. Jim will continue to be the company’s principal accounting officer for SEC filings and report directly to me,” said David J. McIlquham, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ackerman joins Sealy from Dade Behring, Inc., where he served as Vice President, Finance. Prior to Dade Behring, Inc. Mr. Ackerman was with the Frito-Lay snack division of PepsiCo, Inc., where he worked from 1989 – 1997, serving in a variety of financial capacities. “We are excited about adding Jeff to the Senior Management team at Sealy. Jeff brings over 20 years of diverse financial experience to Sealy ranging from financial reporting to strategic planning,” said Mr. Hirshorn. Sealy is the largest bedding manufacturer in the world with sales of $1.3 billion in 2004. The Company manufactures and markets a broad range of mattresses and foundations under the Sealy ®, Sealy Posturepedic ®, Stearns & Foster ®, and Bassett ® brands. Sealy has the largest market share and highest consumer awareness of any bedding brand in North America. Sealy employs more than 6,000 individuals, has 29 plants, and sells its products to 3,200 customers with more than 7,400 retail outlets worldwide. Sealy is also a leading supplier to the hospitality industry. For more information, please visit www.sealy.com.