Jeff Willard
Atlanta-based mattress major Simmons Bedding Co. has appointed Jeff Willard executive vice president of marketing. The post previously was occupied by Tim Oakhill, who left the company in 2011. In the interim, the position’s functions were handled by Tony Smith, Simmons president, and Mark Owen, senior vice president of brand management.
Willard reports to Smith and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s consumer marketing in the United States and Canada.
Willard has nearly 20 years of experience in global consumer marketing for more than 40 brands. He joins Simmons from Harman International where he served as chief marketing officer. Prior to that, Willard was senior vice president of marketing and new product development at Coleman. He also has held marketing posts at Helen of Troy and Spectrum Brands.
“Jeff has demonstrated tremendous success in driving growth through consumer-focused innovation, compelling marketing programs and creative advertising executions,” Smith said. “I am confident that his deep consumer marketing experience will propel our Beautyrest brand transformation and position Simmons for continued growth in the years to come.”
Of his new role, Willard said, “I am thrilled to join the Simmons team during such an exciting time in the company’s transformation. As a marketer, I believe the Beautyrest brand is one of the greatest names in bedding, and I am excited to work with a team that will take this brand to the next level.”
