Charlie Eitel

Charlie Eitel

Charlie Eitel is a skillful and innovative leader passionate about driving change and fostering growth in various industries. With a career spanning decades, his wisdom and leadership have proven instrumental in his various positions and in the companies he has served. His career is a testament to his ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in diverse environments, consistently delivering exceptional results. His leadership style is characterized by a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to building strong, cohesive teams. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to excellence, driving transformative change and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

As the present-day CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB), a globally recognized sleep company, Charles Eitel sets the pace in the industry with his unique blend of innovation, brand development, and emphasis on quality. With his astute understanding of SSB’s competitive environment and his deep relationships with retailers and suppliers, he provides robust guidance to SSB’s thousands of associates. His leadership at SSB is marked by a relentless focus on enhancing product quality, optimizing operational efficiencies, and driving sustainable growth. His strategic approach has positioned SSB as a leader in the sleep industry, renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional sleep solutions to consumers worldwide.

Eitel’s stewardship at SSB is noteworthy because this is his second stint at the company. During Charlie’s tenure at Simmons, revenue doubled from $600 million to $1.2 billion, and income grew from $60 million to $153 million. Fortune magazine twice recognized Simmons as one of America’s best 100 companies to work for, highlighting the positive impact of his leadership on the company’s culture and employee satisfaction. In January 2023, he learned SSB had entered Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Based on this event, he contacted three former Simmons industry veterans and assembled this team to advise SSB through bankruptcy. This decisive action demonstrated his commitment to the company’s recovery and long-term success, showcasing his ability to navigate complex challenges and lead with resilience and foresight.

Subsequently, Charlie joined the newly formed board of SSB in June of 2023 and accepted an interim CEO role to position the company for success. In conjunction with being named CEO, the other recruited veterans joined the company, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the leadership team. This strategic move ensured SSB had the robust and experienced leadership needed to navigate its challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. In November of 2023, Mr. Eitel left his CEO role due to other commitments and believing the company was positioned for success. His departure marked the end of a critical phase in SSB’s journey, with the company well-prepared for the future under the leadership team he helped assemble.

Before rejoining SSB, Charlie Eitel served as Chief Operating Officer for Cenergistic, an environmental services organization that collaborates with various institutions to leverage utility savings. In this role, he was instrumental in driving operational efficiencies and promoting sustainable practices, helping the organization achieve significant cost savings and environmental impact. His leadership at Cenergistic reinforced his reputation as a forward-thinking executive committed to sustainability and operational excellence. He was also the CEO and Chairman of WS Packaging Group, one of North America’s largest printing and label-converting operators. Under his leadership, WS Packaging Group expanded its market presence and enhanced its operational capabilities, solidifying its position as an industry leader.