Industry veteran Niles Cornelius retired July 1 from Hickory Springs Manufacturing. He spent his 47-year sleep products career working for a number of manufacturers and suppliers.
He joined Hickory, North Carolina-based HSM in 2008 as general manager of the former Hickory at Home division, which sold finished products to retailers. At his retirement, he was bedding product training manager. In that role, he developed training programs for retail sales associates and was a key member of the team that developed the company’s adjustable power base program.
Prior to HSM, Cornelius spent a significant portion of his career with the Therapedic licensing group, serving as president and in other executive-level positions for the corporate entity and various licensees. He also held sales positions with Sealy and its Stearns & Foster brand, as well as with the former International Bedding Corp. He began his career as a department store RSA.
“Niles has been a beloved member of our team and the entire industry,” said Tim Witherell, vice president and general manager of HSM. There is not a part of our bedding division where he hasn’t made important contributions over the years. He has been a tremendous asset to our company. His willingness to share his extensive industry knowledge with our team was a tremendous asset, and we’ll all certainly miss his positive attitude and infectious spirit. We wish Niles and his family the best as he transitions into his well-deserved retirement.”
Cornelius added: “In my 13 years with HSM, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of the company into a cutting-edge, innovative powerhouse in the bedding industry. It has been an honor to be part of the team that helped position it for even greater success in the years ahead.”
