I am disappointed by the decisions of a few companies, who are competitors of Tempur, to withdraw from ISPA in reaction to Tempur's assertion of its intellectual property rights.
Rick Anderson, President of Tempur-Pedic North America

Rick Anderson, President of Tempur-Pedic North America, has resigned as Chairman of the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) citing disagreements with other association members.

"I am disappointed by the decisions of a few companies, who are competitors of Tempur, to withdraw from ISPA in reaction to Tempur's assertion of its intellectual property rights," Anderson said today. "However, I do not want my position within ISPA to create an ongoing distraction for the association, and I believe the greater good to be served here is for the association to continue with its important work on behalf of the full industry."

Tempur-Pedic is suing several other members of ISPA over alleged violation of the company's intellectual property rights. Anatomic Global is one target of the suit. Furniture Today reported last month that Anatomic Global CEO David Farley was "appalled" to learn that ISPA's board had voted to support Anderson as chairman (see story). "Instead of bringing our industry closer," Farley told FT, "Anderson's arrogance toward his industry peers makes him unacceptable as our leader. You cannot have contempt for the majority of the industry yet say you are the champion of it at the same time."

Anatomic Global accused ISPA officers and staff of violating the trade association's code of ethics:

1. that member companies will cooperate in every reasonable and lawful manner with the other members of the industry for the betterment of the mattress industry.

2. that member companies won't do anything that might cause the industry adverse notoriety or bring it into disrepute.

3. that member companies will compete with other mattress manufacturers on an honorable and fair basis.

"After careful consideration, members of the Board agree that it will be in the best interest of ISPA to transition the role to another member," Dick Doyle, ISPA president and CEO said today. "Rick has served with distinction on the Board for three years and as the Chairman, and I appreciate the leadership he has provided."

ISPA Vice Chair Don Wright, of Wright of Thomasville, will succeed Rick Anderson as ISPA Chair. "I will work hard to lead ISPA in its continuing efforts to support our industry's interests," Wright stated. "The first priority of our Board during this transition will be to reach out across the entire industry – to ISPA members and non-members – to take stock of what we are doing and where we are going, and to serve the collective interests of all. Over the next several months, I encourage all industry leaders to take part in this important discussion, and to speak frankly about the issues so that we together can guide ISPA in addressing the industry's needs."