Russ Berrie Appoints Chairman and Vice Chairman

Russ Berrie and Company Inc. announces that its board of directors has appointed Michael Zimmerman as chairman and Raphael Benaroya as vice chairman. Consistent with the previously announced plan to reduce the size of the board from 12 to nine, the following members completed their terms and did not stand for re-election at the company's recent 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Carl Epstein, Joseph Kling, Charles Klatskin and Elliott Wahle. Mario Ciampi has been elected to replace Elliott Wahle as one of the two directors designated by Prentice Capital. Andy Gatto, president and chief executive officer, comments, "Michael and Raphael's business acumen and retail expertise will continue to be of tremendous benefit to Russ Berrie in their new respective roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman. We have focused our business strategy on improving our gift business and continuing to grow our infant and juvenile segment. As we build on the momentum this strategy has created, we look forward to the Board and management team working together to achieve new successes in the future."