Leggett & Platt Names John Walsh Director of Creative Services

Furniture World Magazine

Global diversified manufacturer Leggett & Platt named John Walsh as its new director of creative services. Walsh joins L&P from the corporate office of Sam’s Club and is charged with overseeing the four different disciplines (design, internet, printing and exhibit) of L&P’s Creative Service division. “John Walsh's talent, expertise and leadership have already motivated our creative team to achieve higher ground,” said Mark Quinn, executive vice president of marketing for Leggett & Platt’s bedding group. “L&P is committed to providing our internal networks and our clients with agency-quality marketing services at a fraction of traditional agency costs. That translates to more insightful creative strategy and inspired, results-oriented execution.” Walsh joins Leggett & Platt from the Sam’s Club corporate office, where he was director of creative services. There, he directed all club member acquisition and retention materials, including mail, newsletters, catalogs, inserts, television, print, signage and point-of-purchase. Previously, Walsh served as vice president, creative director at the Northlich Agency in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked closely with clients to develop go-to-market strategies for both new and existing products. He also helped Procter and Gamble B2B brands develop more sophisticated direct marketing campaigns. Brands including Olay® beauty products, Swiffer® and Febreze ® saw response rates ranging from a remarkable 11–27 percent. Early in his career as a senior art director with the Atkinson Group in St. Louis, Mo., Walsh designed all of General Motor’s MasterCard acquisition and retention direct mail. The card was the first of its kind. Because of its targeted list, unique offer and powerful creative, the campaign booked 7.5 million accounts within the first 18 months—making it the most successful credit card launch ever. Walsh holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. “Given John's stellar credentials, we are delighted to have him leading our Creative Services department,” said Perry Davis, president of Leggett & Platt’s bedding group. “He and his team will continue to have a growing impact on our business and that of our customers.” No matter the message, Leggett & Platt believes that strategic communication is an important element in successful sales. Enhancing the Creative Services department with Walsh’s presence is one of the many strategies L&P is implementing to improve the way customers see the company and its products. “Before I started, I was already impressed with the existing talent here and the breadth of their industry knowledge,” said Walsh. “I quickly realized, once given the proper strategic guidance, this creative services group will be second to none.” About Leggett & Platt Inc.: Leggett & Platt (NYSE: LEG) is a diversified manufacturer that conceives, designs and produces a broad variety of engineered components and products that can be found in most homes, offices, and automobiles. The company serves a broad suite of customers that comprise a "Who's Who" of U.S. manufacturers and retailers. The 126-year-old firm's continuing operations are composed of 20 business units, 20,000 employee-partners, and more than 160 manufacturing facilities located in 18 countries. Leggett & Platt is North America's leading independent manufacturer of: a) components for residential furniture and bedding; b) components for office furniture; c) drawn steel wire; d) automotive seat support and lumbar systems; e) carpet underlay; f) adjustable beds; and g) bedding industry machinery.