Purple Innovation, LLC Names Mark Watkins Chief Financial Officer

Seasoned Financial Executive Appointed as Purple Prepares to Go Public

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Nov 14, 2017, 08:00 ET

ALPINE, Utah, Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Purple Innovation, LLC ("Purple"), a comfort technology company known for creating the "World's First No Pressure™ Mattress," announced today that Mark Watkins has been named Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. The announcement follows Purple's announcement on November 2, 2017 of a definitive merger agreement with Global Partner Acquisition Corp. ("GPAC") (NASDAQ: GPAC, GPACU, GPACW).

"We are beyond excited to welcome Mark to the Purple team and look forward to his contribution in reaching our goal to help one million people around the world sleep, sit and stand more comfortably," said Purple CEO Sam Bernards. "Mark's strategic financial experience at both private and public companies will be invaluable as we continue in our journey to combine with GPAC and become a publically listed company."

Mr. Watkins most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer of wood pellet grill pioneer, Traeger Pellet Grills, a post he held from March 2015 through October 2017. At Traeger, Mr. Watkins was responsible for the company's overall financial strategy through a period of rapid growth and expansion. Previously, Mr. Watkins held various positions of increasing responsibility at Nu Skin Enterprises, including Vice President of Sales Operations and Vice President of Finance. Mr. Watkins began his career at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. He graduated with both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in accounting from Brigham Young University.

"Purple has achieved incredible milestones in the past two years. I am thrilled to be assuming this role and joining the Purple team as it embarks on its next stage of growth as a public company," said Mr. Watkins.

About Purple
Purple (www.purple.com) is a leading comfort technology company, which designs and manufactures products to improve how people sleep, sit and stand. It offers cushions, pillows, and other comfort products using its proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer® technology. All products are focused on founders Terry and Tony Pearce's vision to revolutionize comfort. Purple continues to be a disruptor to the traditional mattress industry with its innovative products, packaging and shipping, direct-to-consumer sales, and generous trial and return policies.

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For additional assistance, journalists may contact the following member of Purple's communications team:

Savannah Turk
Director of Communications
[email protected]
801-756-2600 ext. 244

SOURCE Purple Innovation, LLC