Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> July 19, 2004

ANDREW GATTO – RUSS BERRIE & CO INC (RUS)

ANDREW R. GATTO is the President and Chief Executive Officer at RUSS Berrie and Company, Inc. He has more than 30 years of experience in the toy industry, most recently as Senior Vice President, Product Development, Imports and Strategic Sourcing for Toys 'R' Us. At Toys 'R' Us, Mr. Gatto created two of the most successful brands, Animal Alley Plush and Home Depot Tools, and established a global private brands division. He also was responsible for operations of the Asia Sourcing Divisions in Hong Kong and Shenzen. Mr. Gatto has served as President and CEO of V-Tech Industries' Play-Tech Division, and of Matchbox Toys North America. He has also held senior management positions with Toy Biz, LJN Toys, Durham Industries and Fisher Price Toys. He is a graduate of Rider University. Profile
TWST: Would you begin with a brief historical sketch of RUSS Berrie &

Company, Inc., and a picture of what you are doing at the present time?

Mr. Gatto: RUSS Berrie is a 41-year-old