Former Wal-Mart Exec Named CEO of Online Mattress Retailer

October 4, 2016  by Jane Chero in Executive Changes, Industry, Mattresses, Product   

Bernards, who had been with Wal-Mart since 2006, is joining a rapidly-growing company that has grown from 38 employees to more than 340 in the past eight months.

"This is the perfect time for Sam Bernards to become Purple's next CEO. We've selected an experienced leader at a time when Purple is poised for growth," said Purple co-founder Tony Pearce. "I am convinced there is no better leader for Purple today."

After having started multiple companies, Bernards joined Walmart in 2006 and moved quickly through the company's ranks, driving forward a $2 billion program to optimize its global supply chain, a $7 billion program for strategic supplier management, and an $80 billion growth strategy for Walmart U.S., which resulted in the launch of Walmart Express and other innovations.

"I joined Purple because I wanted to be a part of a company that has the ability to solve the very real pain of uncomfortable sleep for millions—and soon billions—of people," said Bernards. "Deep, healing sleep is fundamental for health, growth and happiness, and Purple has a uniquely powerful solution to change sleep from what once was difficult to delightful."

Purple has a mission to help those in pain by using science to develop products to help people be more comfortable whether they are sitting, standing or sleeping.

"The co-founders have created a suite of soon-to-be-released products that will impact how people stand and sit. This is meaningful to me, and I am convinced of Purple's ability to achieve its global potential," Bernards said.

The company is perhaps best known for its “Goldilocks” video that was launched on YouTube in January. Since then, it has had more than 10 million views on the site and another 70 million views on Facebook, the company said.

Pearce, who started the business with his brother, Terry, said they are confident in Bernards' ability to lead the company into its next phase.

The addition of Bernards will allows the Pearce brothers to focus on the research and development of new products.

"Sam is clearly the leader for Purple's future," Tony Pearce said. "With Sam Bernards taking the role of CEO, the board is very confident Purple has the leadership to drive its success for the next chapter.”