Leggett & Platt Names New Exec Roles in Top-of-bed

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

Carthage, Mo. —

The Consumer Products Group (CPG) of Leggett & Platt has rehired Bob O'Neill, naming him svp sales for the top-of-bed division, as well as his son, Rob O'Neill, hired as vp of product development and merchandising for top-of-bed.

The duo will be based at the Forsyth, Ga., facility of Southern Textiles, the Leggett & Platt home textiles unit. Both hires were effective July 21.

Bob will focus on mattress protectors, sheets, pillows and fashion ensembles, and help identify new account opportunities in the bedding support and ornamental bed categories.

Rob will direct product selection and introduction the top-of-bed categories, and provide a range of marketing functions.

The O'Neills previously headed Southern Textiles, the top-of-bed business they sold to Leggett in 2004. In 2006 they left the company; since then they worked in the furniture industry with importers.

In a related move, Richard Downing, formerly president of top-of-bed, has accepted an expanded role as svp of sales for the CPG — a role that includes of top-of-bed sales, plus bedding support and ornamental beds. He will focus on specific national accounts and help develop new channels such as furniture stores and e-commerce.

All three positions will report to Rob Woods, president of the CPG.