Anders Pettersson has been appointed chief executive officer of bedding conglomerate Hilding Anders. He’s also been named to the board. He replaces Gunnar Johansson, who joined the Malmö, Sweden-based company in May 2011 to serve as interim chief executive.
“Gunnar Johansson arrived at Hilding Anders nine months ago to develop and begin the implementation of a more value-driven strategy for the company,” said Fredrik Arp, chairman of the board. “He has done an excellent job. Now that his assignment is complete, he is handing it over to a permanent successor.” Johansson will remain on the board as a nonexecutive director.
Pettersson previously spent two years leading Capital Safety Group, which was sold in November 2011 by its private-equity owner Arle Capital Partners. From 2002 until 2010, he served as chief executive of Thule, where he developed the business, driving sales and profitability and executing a series of international brand acquisitions, according to a news release.
“I am delighted that Anders Pettersson has agreed to join Hilding Anders,” Arp said. “I have known him well for many years. He is a strong and inspiring leader. I am confident that Anders is the right person to lead the business into a new phase of growth and continue the global development of the company.”
Pettersson is described by Hilding Anders as “an experienced and proven international business leader with a successful track record in durable consumer and branded goods companies.”
“I believe this is a business with excellent future potential,” Pettersson said. “Our focus will be to accelerate sales growth and build a more resilient business that responds quickly to changes in our business environment.”
Hilding Anders operates in 40 markets through more than 30 subsidiaries in Europe and Asia. Its manufacturing facilities produce about 7 million mattresses a year.
