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EXHIBIT 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: William S. Creekmuir
Simmons Company
770-512-7700
Simmons Company Names Bob Hellyer President
Atlanta, Georgia, (January 10, 2001)---- Simmons' Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Charlie Eitel, announced today that Bob Hellyer has been
named President of the Company, a position that has been left vacant since
Eitel's arrival at Simmons one year ago. He will also be elected to serve as a
director. "Bob has enjoyed a stellar career in our company," stated Eitel. In
his new role, Bob will be responsible for all sales, marketing and manufacturing
operations. "Bob has grown up in this business and knows it inside and out. He
is very deserving of these added responsibilities."
In late '99, Bob was named Vice President of Sales, and in July of last
year, he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Prior
to moving to Simmons' corporate office in Atlanta, Bob served as General Manager
of Simmons' largest plant located in Janesville, Wisconsin. Prior to joining
Simmons in 1994, Bob was National Director of Sales for Stearns & Foster.
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Bill Creekmuir,
will continue to report to Eitel as will Ken Barton, Executive Vice President of
Human Resources.
In addition, Mr. Eitel announced that Peter Brink, Executive Vice
President, Chief Operations Officer and Director resigned today for personal
reasons.
Maker of Beautyrest(R), BackCare(R), DreamScapes(TM), and Deep
Sleep(R), Atlanta-based Simmons Company employs more than 3,000 people and
operates 18 plants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Simmons is
committed to helping consumers attain a higher quality of sleep and supports its
mission through a Better Sleep Through Science(TM) philosophy, which includes
developing superior mattresses and promoting a sound, smart sleep routine. For
more information, consumers and customers can visit the Company's website at
www.simmons.com.
