Furniture Today,
Most recently was exec at Sealy Canada

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Sealy veteran Tony Smith has been named president and CEO of International Bedding Corp., a Top 10 bedding producer based here. He replaces IBC founder Leon Ellman, who left the company in May.

“The Ellman family has built a company well known in the industry for quality, value and extraordinary support for its retail partners,” Smith said. “I am very pleased to be associated with IBC and I look forward to working with our executive team, employees and customers.”

Tom Taylor, managing director of Sun Capital Partners, said Smith brings the right blend of experience to IBC “to re-focus the company on its core competencies and strategic objectives in preparation for IBC’s future growth.”

Smith is a 27-year veteran of the bedding and furniture industry. He spent 22 years with Sealy, most recently as chief operating officer of Sealy Canada. Before that he was regional vice president of Sealy’s western division. He served as a bedding buyer for Gimbels Department Stores before joining Sealy in 1983.

IBC was acquired by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners in May.