Executive Experience
John Eck is a CEO and board director with more than 30 years of executive leadership across Fortune 500 media, retail, and telecommunications companies. Known for leading business transformation, large-scale growth, M&A, and cultural renewal — with a strong reputation for operational rigour, strategic foresight, and customer-focused leadership.
30+
Years of executive leadership
~$5B
Strategic sale orchestrated
16
Consecutive quarters of market share growth
2,500+
Store retail footprint led
127
TV and radio stations overseen
$900M+
Revenue business led at Univision
Career
2019 – 2025
Mattress Firm
President & Chief Executive Officer
- Led the strategic sale to Tempur Sealy for approximately $5 billion
- Orchestrated a full post-Chapter 11 turnaround — rebuilding operations, culture, and customer trust
- Delivered 16 consecutive quarters of market share growth
- Worked closely with boards and investors on strategic planning and capital structure
- Led a business spanning 2,500+ stores, integrated e-commerce, and manufacturing networks
2011 – 2018
Univision Communications
Chief Local Media Officer
- Oversaw 127 TV and radio stations, local events, and digital properties
- Led a business generating more than $900 million in revenue with strong margins
- Helped launch Univision Deportes Network, Fusion, and El Rey Network
- Directed major infrastructure transformation across IT, production, and broadcast engineering
- Built high-performing teams and centres of operational excellence
1993 – 2011
NBCUniversal
President, NBC Network & MediaWorks
- Held executive roles across network operations, finance, digital strategy, M&A, and international expansion
- Helped lead the landmark integration of NBC and Universal
- Supported separation strategy during the Comcast-GE transition
- Led major digitisation initiatives across the enterprise
- Co-founded the Open Mobile Video Coalition
- Introduced Six Sigma quality initiatives that drove major operational improvement
1982 – 1993
General Electric
Finance & General Management
- Began career in GE's prestigious Financial Management Program
- Held progressive roles across Lighting, Aviation, Energy, and Capital
- Built the operational discipline and analytical rigour that defined his later leadership
Board Experience
2014 – 2021
Cincinnati Bell
Board Director
Served on the board of a leading regional telecommunications provider. Contributed strategic oversight and governance during a period of meaningful market evolution, infrastructure investment, and digital transformation — bringing operational depth and executive perspective to the boardroom.
Education
Indiana University
Kelley School of Business
Bachelor of Science in Finance