As part of an ongoing restructuring, industry supplier Hickory Springs Mfg. Co. in Hickory, N.C., is instituting another series of executive-level promotions and title changes.
Jimmy Bush has been named senior vice president of corporate development. Previously, he was senior executive vice president of the wire products group. Bush joined the company in 1978 as a sales trainee and has held a variety of leadership roles. As part of his new position, Bush will continue to participate in key bedding industry events, the company said.
Lee Lunsford is now executive vice president and chief operating officer. Most recently, he was executive vice president and chief operations officer. Lunsford joined Hickory Springs in 2003, bringing with him broad experience in operations and manufacturing.
John Mayo has been named vice president and general counsel. Mayo joined the company in 2012 as general counsel.
Jim Packer has been named vice president of human resources. His previous title was director of human resources. Packer began his career with the company in 1979 as a personnel trainee and has held a range of positions in management and human resources.
Valerie Reid has been appointed chief financial officer and corporate treasurer. Most recently, she was finance director and corporate assistant treasurer and has 14 years with the company in finance and accounting roles.
John Saladino is vice president of strategy and acquisitions. He joined Hickory Springs in October 2012 and his background includes more than 40 years of design, manufacturing and consulting experience.
Don Simpson has been named corporate director administration. Most recently, he was general manager. Simpson joined Hickory Springs in 1989 as an accountant and has held a series of West Coast general management and administration posts at the company.
David Underdown has been named chairman, as well as senior vice president of supply chain. His previous title was secretary/vice president of purchasing. Underdown is a 30-year veteran of the company and began his career at Hickory Springs as a management trainee.
Dwayne Welch has been appointed executive vice president of chief marketing and innovation officer. Most recently, he was executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer. Welch has 18 years with Hickory Springs.
Each of the above reports to Dave Colburn, company president and chief executive officer.
Hickory Springs also has restructured its manufacturing, quality and logistics management.
Rich Derian was named director corporate logistics. He joined the company one year ago to direct logistics, distribution and fleet operations. Derian’s career includes more than 24 years in supply chain management and logistics.
Buster Mann was appointed senior vice president manufacturing. He most recently served as senior vice president foam operations. Since joining the company in 1975, Mann has held a number of posts, including plant manager, general manager and vice president eastern division.
Derian and Mann report to Lunsford.
“Taken together, these assignments comprise a leadership team that will work with me to direct the company’s transition to a market-focused strategy,” Colburn said. “I am confident we have assembled the best group of people to enable the execution of our strategy, while focusing on delivering value to Hickory Springs’ current and future customers.”
