Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> September 30, 2002
RUSSELL BERRIE is Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Russ
Berrie & Co., Inc. In 1963, while working as a manufacturer's
representative, Mr. Berrie founded Russ Berrie & Company, Inc., and over
the last 39 years has built the $300 million company that bears his name
into one of the world's premier lifestyle gift companies. The company
maintains offices and distribution centers in Cranbury, New Jersey,
Petaluma, California, Canada and England, as well as offices in Hong
Kong, China, Korea, Taiwan and Australia. It employs approximately 1,500
people worldwide. In addition to his business accomplishments, He was
named one of the 40 most generous Americans by Fortune magazine in its
February 6, 1998 issue. In November, the Russell Berrie Foundation
accepted the Association of Fundraising Professionals (New Jersey
Chapter) 2001 Outstanding Foundation Award for Excellence in
Philanthropy. Among the numerous charitable causes supported by the
Foundation is the 'Making a Difference Award' which recognizes New
Jersey's unsung heroes who have made contributions to their communities
or have performed heroic acts. He is Chairman of the Center for Inter-
religious Understanding and serves on the Boards of United Retail Group,
Jewish Community Center and the John Harms Center for the Arts. He has
also served on the Board of New York University's Leonard Stern School
of Business. Profile
Mr. Berrie: The company started in 1963 and next year we'll be
celebrating our 40th anniversary in business. We
