Industry veteran Steve Fendrich has returned to Mattress Firm as chief strategy officer, a new position for the retailer. He reports to Steve Stagner, chief executive officer of the Houston–based company.
Fendrich was a co–founder of Mattress Firm, which opened with one store in 1986. He spent 15 years with the company, focusing primarily on finance, franchising and real estate functions. Most recently, he was president and chief operating officer of Simmons Bedding Co. Prior to that, he was president and chief executive officer of retailer Sleep Country USA.
“I have a long professional and personal history with Steve that dates back over 18 years,” Stagner said. “I trust in his vision, leadership and ability to strategically drive sustainable and profitable growth. Steve’s experience and relationships across the industry afford him a unique position to help us accomplish our aggressive goals. We are excited to have an in–house expert who will keep the company focused through the formulation and execution of our strategy.”
Mattress Firm has more than 560 stores in 38 markets.
In his new role, Fendrich is responsible for the strategic planning and oversight of Mattress Firm’s growth plans, which include a focus on new stores, new markets, multichannel sales, franchising and acquisitions.
“I am thrilled to be coming back to my roots and rejoining Mattress Firm,” Fendrich said. “I can’t think of a more exciting opportunity in the industry than this one.”
