Furniture Today,
ATLANTA – Bedding major Simmons Co. has hired Gary Matthews, former president of

specialty bedding producer Sleep Innovations, as president.

Matthews begins the job Dec. 1.
The president’s post at Simmons has been vacant since bedding industry veteran Bob Hellyer left the company in June 2012.

“We are excited to have Gary join the Simmons team,” said Charlie Eitel, chairman and CEO. “He has a track record of outstanding success in building and marketing brands and product lines in various industries.”

Before joining Sleep Innovations, Matthews was president of the worldwide consumer medicines and specialty pharmaceuticals division of Bristol-Myers Squibb. Earlier, he was president and CEO of Derby Cycle Corp and held a similar post at Guinness Import Co.