Scott Burger
Specialty bedding manufacturer Classic Brands, based in Jessup, Maryland, has named Scott Burger, former president of Pandora Jewelry of the Americas, as chief executive officer. Founder and CEO Mike Zippelli now is chief innovation officer and lead director of the company.
Burger’s post at Classic Brands is a return move for him as he was the company’s chief financial officer from 2004 to 2007. Earlier in his career, he held executive positions with Giant Food and Ryder Systems. At Pandora Jewelry, he was credited with driving the company’s transformation from an entrepreneurial company to a major global brand.
Commenting on Burger’s hiring, Zippelli said: “We have seen tremendous growth in our business over the past two years that requires adding top management talent to our bench. Scott has distinguished himself as a terrific chief executive and, combined with his knowledge of our company and industry, will lead us to even greater success. This move enables me to give up day-to-day responsibility and to focus on sourcing, product development and customer relations for the company as we expand our business, diversify our customer base and accelerate our
go-to-market strategy.”
Burger said: “This is a tremendous honor and a wonderful opportunity. Over the past 30 years, Mike turned Classic Brands into an industry leader, bringing innovation and technology to what had largely been an outmoded industry. That Mike is entrusting me with so much of his legacy is humbling. In my role as CEO, my focus will be on diversifying our customer base, enhancing and expediting our growth strategy, and positioning the company to compete in a rapidly changing marketplace. I am confident that we have the products, know-how and talent to grow our success.”
