Mattress maker Southerland Inc., based in Nashville, Tennessee, has created a new vice president position and named a new plant manager.
Greg Wanninger
Greg Wanninger, who was previously a sales representative for Southerland from 2003 to 2009, has rejoined the company as regional vice president of sales. Steve Klancnik, a veteran bedding operations and product development executive, is now manager of the company’s flagship factory in Nashville.
Wanninger, who oversees sales in the Southeast, also was a sales rep at mattress producers Park Place and Corsicana Bedding, bed frame and adjustable bed suppliers Glideaway and W. Silver Products, and bedding accessories supplier Protect-A-Bed. He previously has worked in mattress retailing as a sales associate and store owner.
Wanninger reports to Bryan Smith, president and chief executive officer of Southerland.
“Greg’s outstanding track record in the mattress industry and his previous success at Southerland make him the ideal candidate to fill this post,” Smith said. “He will have an immediate, positive impact on our business, and we’re happy to have him back.”
Wanninger said: “The company’s recent focus on higher-end mattresses and adjustable beds provides a compelling story that I can’t wait to share with our existing and future retail partners.”
Steve Klancnik
Klancnik, Southerland’s new plant manager, most recently had been vice president of new product introduction and sustaining at Serta Simmons Bedding LLC for more than three years, and earlier spent nearly eight years as vice president of research and product development at Serta.
At Southerland, he reports to Don Pflug, executive vice president of operations.
“Steve’s considerable experience will allow him to make immediate contributions to our flagship facility,” Pflug said. “His collaborative leadership style, communications skills and passion for making great products make him a great fit for our organization.”
Klancnik said: “I was excited about the challenge of helping Southerland grow and expand their flagship facility. The company’s focus on product innovations and exacting quality standards have been a hallmark of my career, so I feel right at home.”
