Westlake, Ohio, Feb. 11, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greeting cards industry leader American Greetings announced today that it will appoint Joe Arcuri as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the American Greetings board, effective March 1.  Arcuri replaces retiring CEO John Beeder, and brings a proven track record of more than 30 years leading billion dollar global brands at Procter & Gamble, Newell Rubbermaid, and most recently the PGA TOUR. Arcuri’s depth of experience in building beloved brands and his deep knowledge of the retail sector make him an ideal fit, according to American Greetings Board Chairman and former PepsiCo President John Compton. “We’re excited to have Joe join American Greetings. Joe is known for building strong teams that work together to create a winning culture,” Compton said. “At the same time, we appreciate John Beeder’s contributions to American Greetings and wish him well in his retirement.” Zev Weiss, a director of American Greetings and former Co-CEO, said, “We are excited to have such a seasoned executive join American Greetings who we know will be a great cultural fit for the organization.” Arcuri will lead American Greetings’ growth and expansion within the broader category of meaningful connections, which includes paper and digital greeting cards, gift wrap, party goods and other forms of expression sold under familiar brand names like Papyrus, Recycled Paper Greetings, Carlton Cards, and others. “I’m excited to join the great team at American Greetings and help write the company’s next chapter of growth and expansion. At a time when consumers have more channels than ever to share personal expressions with one another, I believe we have an opportunity to lead the way, both through our core products and new innovation,” Arcuri said. “I couldn’t be more excited for the prospects of this company and its exceptional brands, and I am eager to get started. We have a very bright future ahead.” Arcuri’s professional career reflects proven leadership as a consumer-centric brand builder.  Arcuri was most recently the CMO at the PGA TOUR, a role he’s held since 2017.  Prior to that, he was Chief Commercial Officer at Newell Rubbermaid and spent nearly 30 years at Procter & Gamble leading various businesses across the paper, health and beauty categories.  This broad experience gives Arcuri deep knowledge of consumer packaged goods, and of the retail industry that comprises American Greetings’ customer base. Beeder joined American Greetings in 2008 as Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, and assumed increasing levels of responsibility in the ensuing years. Beeder has driven innovation and expanded the American Greetings brand portfolio throughout his tenure. He also successfully helped sell a majority interest in the company in 2018 at which time he became the CEO. “I am proud of what this company has accomplished during my time here,” Beeder said. “We have great momentum today, and Joe brings the perfect experience to take American Greetings to even greater heights.” About American GreetingsAs the leader in meaningful connections, American Greetings is committed to making the world a more thoughtful and caring place. Founded in 1906, the creator and manufacturer of innovative social expression products offers paper cards, digital greetings, gift wrap, party goods and more to help consumers honor the people and moments in life that really matter. The Company's major greeting card brands are American Greetings, Papyrus, Recycled Paper Greetings and Carlton Cards. AmericanGreetings.com lets consumers shop and buy paper cards, ecards, printables, party supplies and gift wrap — along with providing useful content that educates and inspires visitors to connect more meaningfully. The 113 year-old Company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and its products can be found in retail outlets worldwide. For more information, please visit www.americangreetings.com/corporate .

Patrice Molnar American Greetings 216.252.7300 ext. 2584 Patrice.Molnar@amgreetings.com