Doraville, Georgia-based Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC has appointed Mark Genender, chairman of the board of directors, to interim CEO. He succeeds Charlie Eitel, who has stepped down as CEO.
The board of directors has initiated a search process to identify and review candidates to be the company’s next CEO.
“We are grateful that Charlie joined SSB as CEO at an important time,” Genender said. “He strengthened our retail relationships and put leaders in place to accelerate our turnaround. As I step into the interim CEO role, I am committed to working closely with the management team to ensure a smooth transition as we continue to execute on our turnaround strategy.
“Looking ahead, SSB remains focused on continuing to innovate, investing in — and reinvigorating — our powerful brands, enhancing our retail partnerships and operating a high-performing supply chain that delivers industry-leading product quality and customer service.”
Genender will lead the SSB leadership team, including:
- Dominick Azevedo, chief sales officer
- Rob Burch, chief operations officer
- Kristen McGuffey, chief legal officer
- Esther Ni, chief human resources officer
- Tim Oakhill, chief marketing officer
- Lisa Wyn, interim chief financial officer.
“It has been a privilege to join SSB and set the course for the company’s future,” Eitel said. “After discussions with the board, I have decided to step down as CEO. I know that I am leaving the company in capable hands.”
In addition to his role as SSB chairman of the board and interim CEO, Genender is a managing partner at Bristol Growth Capital, LLC, a growth and early-stage investor in the consumer/retail and media and technology sectors. He previously served in senior investment roles at Eldridge Industries and in the same role at the predecessor entity, Guggenheim Partners.
Prior to joining Guggenheim, Genender was a partner and portfolio manager at Red Mountain Capital. He also co-founded Star Avenue Capital, a consumer growth equity vehicle, and served as a managing director/partner at Fenway Partners. While at Fenway, Genender served as a director on the Simmons Bedding board, working closely with management, according to a news release.
