Hinman Leaves Talalay Global Marketing Post; Sales Team Realigned

November 29, 2016  by Larry Thomas in Executive Changes, Industry   

The company said Hinman, who joined Talalay Global in early 2014, has resigned “to embark on an exciting opportunity outside the bedding industry.”

“Ken has helped us develop a solid marketing base on which to build our future,” said Kim Fisher, Talalay Global president and chief operating officer.  “Although we’ll miss him and the many valuable contributions he’s made in branding and marketing across both of our businesses, we wish him all the best.”      

Hinman re-branded both Talalay Global and Pure Talalay Bliss -- the company’s direct-to-retail division — during his tenure, raising awareness and demand for the Talalay name. 

He also was charged with web development and with creating on-demand marketing programs, among other responsibilities.   

“The journey has been incredible and rewarding,” Hinman said, “and I’m confident that I’m leaving at a time when both Talalay Global and Pure Talalay Bliss are strong and growing.

“I’m very proud of the tremendous strides that Kim and I made together,” he added, “and given her energy and her continued focus on marketing, the company’s next chapter will be even greater.”    

Fisher said the company will continue to move forward with its marketing plans, which include the recent engagement of a major marketing agency based in New York.  Together, she said, the objective will be to drive increased trade and consumer awareness for Talalay through traditional, digital and social media channels. 

“We’ll also work closely with our partners worldwide to drive the relevance and value of Talalay in the minds of customers,” Fisher added. 

Fisher also announced the company is expanding the responsibilities of key sales executives Jeff Gober and Dan Manning.

Gober, who is executive vice president of sales for the western United States, will be adding Canada and Mexico to his sales duties.   

Manning, who has been serving as vice president of sales for the eastern United States, has been promoted to executive vice president of sales for the eastern region. 

Gober’s experience in the sleep products industry has included sales and management posts with E.S. Kluft & Co., FXI and Southerland Bedding.  He joined Talalay Global in 2001 and earned the company’s Salesman of the Year Award in 2014.     

Before joining Talalay Global in 2014, Manning had been a sales representative and then an account manager in the southeast region for foam producer FXI.

Forming an executive sales team that will report to Fisher, Gober and Manning are charged with managing existing customer partnerships, cultivating new business opportunities and increasing sales and profits in their respective regions.

“Both Jeff and Dan are integral to our strategy of strengthening and growing our organization and to consistently providing our OEM customers with the highest quality products and the best possible service,” Fisher said.  “We’re very excited about both of these promotions, which empower and position our key sales executives for achievement and success in 2017 and beyond.”