Pat Flippin, longtime president, chief operating officer and member of the board of directors of mattress maker Kingsdown, retired Jan. 3. Industry veteran Bob Hellyer has stepped in to replace him at the Mebane, N.C.–based company.
Flippin started at Kingsdown in 1986 as a plant manager. Prior to being named president, he was vice president of manufacturing and is credited with supervising the expansion of the company’s manufacturing capabilities and obtaining patents on the company’s construction techniques. He is a past chairman of the International Sleep Productions Association.
“Pat is a hard worker and close personal friend to many in the Kingsdown family and others in our industry,” said Eric Hinshaw, Kingsdown chairman and chief executive officer. “His contributions to Kingsdown and the entire industry are hugely significant. During his tenure, the company grew from being a regional mattress manufacturer to serving as a worldwide supplier of sleep products with multiple operations and licensees around the world.”
Hellyer was with Simmons Bedding Co. for 11 years, serving as its president from 2001 to 2005. He presided over a period of sales growth and oversaw construction of two new manufacturing facilities. During his tenure as president, the company was twice named one of Fortune magazine’s Top 100 Companies to Work For.
Before being named Simmons president, Hellyer was executive vice president of sales and marketing for the corporate entity and was vice president and general manager of a Simmons plant. Prior to that, he was with Stearns & Foster.
“Kingsdown is gaining a valued industry resource in Bob,” Hinshaw said. “His leadership skills have proven he is uniquely qualified to lead this global company to the next level and we are excited to welcome him aboard.”
