by WOBURN, Mass. – Spring Air International, a Top 20 U.S. bedding manufacturer and widely known consumer brand, announced that Nick Bates, its president since 2017, has been named chief executive officer of the company following the recent death of Eddie Bates. In addition to the CEO role, he also will retain the role of president.
Nick Bates began his career with Spring Air in 2009 as a sales and marketing coordinator where he learned the business working on the production floor of the company’s then Chelsea, Massachusetts, factory, and selling beds to retailers.
In 2013, he was named director of corporate accounts where he played an integral role for the development and growth of Spring Air’s key national accounts business. He was promoted to vice president of sales in 2016 and a year later was named president.
Bates is credited with bringing the unique perspective of the younger consumer to his post and is making a concerted effort to shift the company’s approach to marketing to appeal to millennials. By collaborating closely with the company’s executive team, Bates is setting a clear path for Spring Air’s future that includes plans to engage consumers at each step of the mattress buying process.
In addition, he has helped spearhead the development and distribution of industry leading products throughout the marketplace via the Spring Air licensee network, including collections such as Chattam & Wells and most recently Sleep Copper and Four Seasons.
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Bates has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management. He currently lives in Reading, Massachusetts, with his wife Colleen Bates and family.
“I am honored to have been chosen the next CEO of Spring Air,” Bates said. “For the past 16 years, I have worked closely with Eddie, our wonderful licensees, and customers to restore the luster and leadership position of our brand. I have learned a lot and together, we have made our brand one of the top contenders in our industry. We have a many more opportunities to grow and expand our business together, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to realize those goals.”
