Larry Rogers, president and chief executive officer of mattress major Sealy, is retiring after a 33-year career with the Trinity, N.C.-based company.
Rogers, 63, will continue to lead Sealy until his successor is appointed. The company has hired an executive search firm.
“On behalf of the board and everyone at Sealy, I would like to thank Larry not only for his leadership, but also for the dedication and commitment that he has given to Sealy for more than 30 years,” said Paul J. Norris, nonexecutive chairman of the Sealy board of directors. “During his tenure as CEO, he has guided the company through some of the most tumultuous times that we have seen in both the industry and the U.S. economy, while advancing Sealy’s status as the pre-eminent mattress company in the world. We appreciate his countless contributions over the years.”
Before being named president and CEO in 2008, Rogers held various positions in the company, including president of Sealy North America, president of Sealy International and president of Sealy Canada.
Rogers is credited with building Sealy’s international business and forging relationships, including those in the retail and supplier communities, throughout the global bedding industry. He played a critical role in entering the Chinese market, establishing a joint-venture system in Asia and building the company’s first plant in China. He also led the company’s entry into South America.
More recently as CEO, Rogers guided Sealy through the most significant decline ever experienced by the bedding industry, stabilizing the business and leading the successful refinancing of the company in 2009, according to the company. He also focused employees on delivering innovative new product offerings, including a revamping of the Stearns & Foster line.
“After more than three decades at Sealy, I have decided that the time is right for me to retire, knowing that I will leave a company that is well-positioned, despite the ongoing difficulties in the macroeconomic environment,” Rogers said. “I am proud to have been a part of this great company and to have played a role in Sealy’s expansion across the U.S. and worldwide.”
