ITASCA, Ill.–Enesco has named Susan Azar president of Department 56, a subsidiary of Enesco.
Azar began her career with Dayton-Hudson-Marshall Fields, where she held a variety of merchandising roles in the tabletop and gift areas. After approximately 20 years, Azar joined Lenox as vice president of sales, which was subsequently purchased by Department 56. At Department 56, Azar held leadership roles in both sales and marketing. When Enesco purchased Department 56 in 2009, Enesco said Azar was instrumental “in guiding the company through the transition and onto the revitalization of Department 56 as the premier brand and leader in its space.” Prior to being named president of Department 56, Azar was general manager.
“Sue’s breadth of knowledge of the gift industry, her vast experience both at the retail and supplier level along with her strong leadership skills have led Department 56 to be the successful company they are,” Thomas G. Bowles, CEO of Enesco said. “There is no question that her dedication and determination to make Department 56 a leader in the industry has led her team to success. I cannot think of anyone else that is better suited to lead the company forward in its continuing growth path than Sue. She is an asset to our entire company.”
Azar said, “I am very excited about the team of talented people we have built at Department 56. The vision, creativeness and artistry we possess together with the ability to implement those ideas into making high quality gifts and collectibles for our loyal and valuable customers, make Department 56 one of the finest companies in our industry.”