Specialty bedding manufacturer Classic Brands, based in Jessup, Maryland, has named bedding industry veteran Mark Owen to the new position executive vice president of sales and business development.
Mark Owen
Owen, who has nearly 30 years of experience in the sales and marketing of leading mattress brands, most recently was senior vice president of strategic business development for Atlanta-based Serta Simmons Bedding LLC. He began his career in the sleep products industry in 1991 with Slumberland of England and led the brand’s move to the United States.
In his new position, Owen oversees Classic Brand’s sales organization and strategic growth in its new and existing channels of distribution.
“Mark is a great addition to our leadership team,” said Michael Zippelli, chief executive officer of Classic Brands. “His extensive experience in developing and growing brands will be an invaluable asset as Classic continues to expand. Mark’s depth in sales, marketing, strategy development and customer relationships is legendary in the bedding industry, and we’re certain his impact here will be immediate.”
Commenting on his new position, Owen, said: “Mike and I have known each other for many years, and I have watched him build Classic into one of the most formidable specialty sleep product companies in the industry. After so many years with large corporations, I was looking to do something more entrepreneurial and was thrilled when Mike asked me to join his organization.”
