Eric Hinshaw, Kingsdown’s longtime chairman and chief executive officer, retired in August after 36 years with the company. The Mebane, N.C.-based mattress producer has named Kingsdown President Frank Hood to succeed him as chief executive officer.
Frank Hood
During his time with the company, Hinshaw and his management team transformed Kingsdown from a regional manufacturer into one of the world’s largest sleep products companies with sales in more than 21 countries, according to a news release.
Under Hinshaw’s guidance, the company pioneered a “better sleep through science” platform as part of its efforts to change the way consumers and retailers talked about sleep product purchases.
“I have never forgotten that we are in a business where consumers have entrusted their health and wellness to us by purchasing our products,” Hinshaw said. “That responsibility has driven us to constantly enhance our product offerings and get better at what we do. We have accomplished so much, and I am confident Frank and his leadership team will deliver more great achievements for our company in the future.”
Hinshaw was active in the International Sleep Products Association for many years, serving as chairman from 1993 to 1994 and on the Finance Committee. In 2000, he received the association’s Russell Abolt Exceptional Service Award.
Hinshaw worked with Hood and the Kingsdown management team for several months preparing for the transition. He remains with the company in an advisory capacity and is one of Kingdown’s largest minority shareholders.
“We are grateful to Eric for his visionary leadership of our company for more than three decades,” Hood said. “We understand his desire to open a new chapter in his life and spend time with family and work on causes that are near and dear to his heart. I appreciate the opportunity that the board has given me and the confidence that they have in our leadership team. We have an amazing roster of bedding industry talent with Kevin Damewood heading sales, Joe Schmoeller leading operations and Lee Hinshaw heading our international group.”
Since joining Kingsdown in 2008, Hood has overseen marketing efforts and served in a number of senior positions, including chief information officer and president of the Sleep to Live Institute, which licenses its patented bedMatch diagnostic technology. In February, he was named president of the company and assumed responsibility for day-to-day operations.
“Since the start of the year, we have taken many steps to improve our business, resulting in a strong first half,” Hood said. “In particular, I am proud of our people who have been so focused on improving quality and adding depth to our product innovation. There are many exciting things on the horizon for this 108-year-old company. We are very enthusiastic about its continued growth and future.”
