TORONTO, July 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Sleep Country Canada
Holdings Inc. ("Sleep Country" or "Sleep Country Canada" or the
"Company") (TSX: ZZZ) today proudly announced that Stewart Schaefer, currently serving as President
of Sleep Country Canada, will succeed Dave
Friesema as CEO. Mr. Schaefer, a proven industry leader,
will retain his presidency and join the Sleep Country Board as a
Director, effective January 1, 2022.
Mr. Friesema has announced his intention to retire from his role as
CEO at the end of this fiscal year, a position he has held for the
past seven years during which he led the Company through
exponential growth. Mr. Friesema's final day with Sleep Country
will be December 31, 2021.
Mr. Schaefer has been a key member of the Company's executive
leadership team since 2006 and was recently appointed President of
Sleep Country Canada. His vision and determination to see Sleep
Country's family of brands through to their full growth potential
has been a driving force behind the Company's success over the past
15 years – Mr. Schaefer's 27 year knowledge of the sleep and retail
industries is unparalleled, having grown Dormez-vous into a
household name in Quebec prior to
its acquisition by Sleep Country.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce
that Stewart Schaefer, currently
Sleep Country's President, will also assume the role of CEO next
year. This appointment reflects and is a natural extension of the
invaluable contributions and vision that Stewart has provided for
nearly two decades, while also showcasing the depth of our talented
leadership team," said Christine
Magee, Chair, Sleep Country Canada. "Stewart is uniquely
qualified to take our business into the next chapter of our growth
story, and we look forward to continued success under his capable,
passionate and strategic leadership."
"Over the 15 years since Stewart joined Sleep Country, he has
been pivotal in taking our combined entities to even greater
heights. His creative and visionary leadership have been key
to our success and he has been instrumental in transforming our
company, and has been the key architect leading the vision for our
growth strategy, the launch and growth of our e-commerce
business, the driving force behind our acquisition of Endy as
well as a plethora of new partnerships that have both introduced
iconic brands and created new revenue streams in our business,"
said Dave Friesema, CEO, Sleep
Country Canada. "His entrepreneurial focus has been the critical
element to our ongoing success and shaping our culture."
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation
for Dave's contributions and efforts over the past 26 years and
recognize the remarkable transformation and innovation that Sleep
Country has accomplished during his tenure as CEO. Sleep Country's
extraordinary performance and market leading practices have
benefitted from Dave's keen business acumen and leadership,"
continued Ms. Magee. "His legacy goes far beyond the bottom line.
Dave has helped build a business that meaningfully transforms the
lives of those it serves while also fostering a culture of
inclusion and purpose that will continue to define Sleep Country in
perpetuity. On behalf of the entire Board, we thank Dave for his
contributions and passion over the years and wish him every success
in his future endeavours."
Mr. Schaefer and Mr. Friesema will work closely together over
the next six months to ensure an orderly and seamless transition,
while continuing to focus on the long-term growth of the Company
through its three strategic platforms: providing a world-class
customer experience, relentless channel and product innovation and
helping Canadians achieve their best sleep as a pillar of
wellbeing.
About Sleep Country
Sleep Country is Canada's
leading omnichannel specialty sleep retailer with a national retail
store network and robust eCommerce platforms. The Company operates
under three retail banners: "Sleep Country Canada", with
omnichannel operations in Canada
excluding Québec; "Dormez-vous?" with omnichannel operations in
Québec and "Endy", Canada's
leading direct-to-consumer online sleep solutions retailer. As of
July 13, 2021, Sleep Country has 287
stores and 17 fulfillment centres across Canada. Sleep Country is a purpose-led company
dedicated to transforming lives by awakening Canadians to the power
of sleep. The company is committed to meaningfully and positively
supporting its environment, people and communities including
operating a comprehensive Mattress Recycling Program and working
closely with Canadian charities to donate new and gently used
mattresses to families and children in need.
SOURCE Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. Investor Relations