Eugene Freedman is the Chairman and CEO of Enesco Corporation, a leader in the gift and collectibles industry.

   A 50 year veteran of the gift and collectibles industry, Freedman began his career in 1947 as a salesman for a Milwaukee-based gift and novelty company. He subsequently founded a gift manufacturing company, "Gene Freedman," which several years later became the Freedman-Mathews Corporation. He resigned in 1958 to become one of the founders of Enesco Imports in Chicago with responsibilities for both sales and overseas product development. Freedman held a variety of management positions prior to being named President and CEO in 1967.

   Freedman is credited with the development of the Precious Moments figurine collection, based on the original artwork of Samuel J. Butcher. One of the world's most popular collectibles, the three-dimensional inspirational collection features teardrop-eyed children produced in fine porcelain bisque. Since its inception in 1981, hundreds of thousands of collectors have joined the Precious Moments Collectors's Club, making it the largest collectors' club of its kind in the world.

   Freedman has been honored with a multitude of awards including the International Collectible Achievement Award (1992), and Epsilon Sigma Alpha's International Vision Award (1992). He was also honored with the collectibles industry's most prestigious award, the Lee Benson Award (1988) and twice received Stanhome Inc.,'s Leader of the Year Award.

   Freedman is Chairman of the National Easter Seal Society Parthership Board, a national governor of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Vice-Chairman of Very Special Arts International Fund. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Opportunity, Inc. And the Child Abuse Unit for Studies and Educational Services.

   Freedman was born in Philadelphia. The family, however, later moved to Milwaukee where he grew up. He attended Northwestern University and the California Institute of Technology. A veteran of World War II, Freedman received his naval officer's commission at Notre Dame University. All contents of pages and images Copyright © 2003,
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