Having enjoyed a long and prestigious career in the ceramic and gift industry, spanning some five decades, Ken Johnson, managing director of Enesco Europe, will be retiring at the end of May. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career and the many wonderful people I have met over the years and am looking forward to a relaxing summer,” Ken comments.
Joining the gift trade was not part of Ken’s original plan, but he has made it his own and given it his all – and achieved the success and respect he deserves.
Having initially wanted to join the merchant navy, a holiday job persuaded him that sales was his forte, leading to Ken joining Spode as a sales trainee in the mid ’60s earning 3 shilling and 6 pence a week.
He gradually moved through the china and glass ranks – which included working for Arthur Wood and Carltonware – joining Border Fine Arts in 1985 as sales director, and subsequently Enesco in 1989, when Enesco bought Lilliput Lane in 1984. Ken was appointed managing director of Enesco Europe in 2008, with his remit including Enesco France.
A highly respected industry figurehead, Ken received the prestigious Honorary Achievement Award at The Greats Awards in 2014, which are organised by Progressive Gifts & Home.
Like his one time ‘mentor’ Gene Freedman, who founded Enesco in Chicago in 1958, Ken has lived his life by the mantra ‘the best is yet to come’, and says that he is now looking forward to spending more time with his five daughters and grandson Solomon.
Top: Ken Johnson will be retiring as managing director of Enesco Europe at the end of May.
