— Furniture Today,
LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. — 1-800-Mattress has given two senior executives expanded management responsibilities in the wake of the company president’s death last month.


William Johnson has been promoted to executive vice president and general manager, and adds the information technology department to his portfolio. Joe Vicens, who has been with the company for more than 25 years and is executive vice president/chief operating officer of national sales, adds responsibility for the call center operations.

Johnson and Vicens report to founder and CEO Napoleon Barragan, as do John O’Connell, recently promoted to senior vice president of merchandising and retail sales, and Kathy Desmond, vice president of human resources.

Barragan retains direct responsibility for strategic planning and the marketing/advertising department.

The realignment of duties followed the death of Luis Barragan, president and chief operating officer.

“Our ability to absorb these changes from within is a positive reflection of our management team and specifically the contributions these senior executives have made in making 1-800-Mattress the leading mattress and bedding accessories brand in the world,” said Barragan. “Be realigning some reporting responsibilities, we are taking the necessary steps to assure the continued growth and expansion of our business for many years to come.”