Serta Simmons Names New C-Level Marketing and Innovation Execs

Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB) has gone outside its own ranks for its latest executive appointments. The brand named Guy Longworth as its new Chief Marketing Officer, effective immediately, and Brian Dengler as the brand’s Chief Innovation Officer, effective May 8, 2023.

SSB is looking to stabilize its C-suite with these appointments following the company’s January 2023 bankruptcy filing, part of a restructuring effort undertaken in cooperation with key financial stakeholders.

Longworth bring more than 30 years’ global marketing experience at brands including Intuit and Sony Interactive Entertainment America, where he led the launch of the PlayStation PS4, as well as disruptive tech startups such as Farmers Business Network, where he most recently was CMO. He also has held strategic marketing roles at Procter & Gamble, Kraft Foods and Kellogg’s.

At SSB, Longworth will be responsible for leading the brand portfolio, which includes Serta, Beautyrest, Tuft & Needle and Simmons, along with brand marketing strategy and activation, consumer insights, creative and media.

In his 30+-year career, Dengler has held senior leadership roles at Yeti and Newell Brands, where he led global development and innovation and paved the way for new technology for the Calphalon brand. His most recent role was SVP, Product Development at Instant Brands, a global manufacturer of kitchen and homeware appliances.

“We are strengthening our leadership team as we move forward with our strategic growth initiatives that include leading with innovation, building demand for our trusted brands and operating a high-performing and resilient supply chain to provide industry-leading service to both retailer partners and sleepers,” said Shelley Huff, CEO of SSB in a statement. “We welcome Guy and Brian, who bring proven track records in consumer-driven innovation and igniting brand growth.”