Donald S. (Don) Freeman, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, retains his position as chairman and is being succeeded as CEO by Joe Popolo, formerly president. Carrie Freeman Parsons becomes vice chairman in addition to her duties as chief marketing officer. John O'Connell moves from executive vice president and chief operating officer to president. Jeff Price, formerly executive vice president, becomes chief operating officer of the exposition services division.
Mr. Freeman will continue to play a key role in the company's customer relations and industry activities, in monitoring its financial goals and performance and in guiding the company's strategies, character and culture. Among other specific duties, he will continue his involvement with customers and will also represent the company at major industry meetings.
The changes will be effective July 1, 2008, the beginning of Freeman's fiscal year.
"These new assignments reflect a carefully planned transition that has been taking place over several years to assure a smooth and seamless integration of the next generation of Freeman management," said Mr. Freeman.
"The promotions illustrate the depth and breadth of Freeman's management talent. They are the natural result of our training and development programs, which have long been central parts of our corporate strategy and culture, and integral to the company's growth and success."
"Freeman will continue to be owned by the Freeman family and the company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan," Mr. Freeman said. "Employee ownership has been an integral part of the company's family culture and enables us to make long-term decisions that are to the benefit of our customers."
Mr. Freeman joined the company in 1964 as manager of the Des Moines branch. After serving in many other capacities, he became president in 1972, and in 1977 was named chairman and CEO upon the death of his father and company founder Donald S. "Buck" Freeman.
Freeman is the world's leading provider of integrated services for face-to-face marketing events, including expositions, conventions, corporate events, and exhibits. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has offices in 41 cities across North America. Freeman produces over 3,900 expositions annually, including 100 of the largest 200 U.S. trade shows, and over 10,000 other events worldwide. Founded in 1927, the company remains privately held by the Freeman family as well as the full-time employee owners through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
