Alyn V. Essman

Alyn is the retired Chairman and CEO of CPI Corporation and an investor and long-time advisor to BusyEvent. A distinguished alumnus of Washington University in St. Louis, he joined CPI’s predecessor in 1956 as Controller and progressed through a series of financial management positions until he was appointed President in 1969 and Chairman/CEO in 1973. In 1979 he led a senior management acquisition and then led the company’s IPO (NYSE:CPY) in 1982. At CPI, Alyn’s activities concentrated in finance and administration supporting strategic planning, guidance and implementation and shareholder relationships. Alyn has served on various community boards such as the St Louis Science Center, Webster University, Barnes Jewish Hospital and United Way as well as past service on boards of the St. Louis Symphony Society, Downtown St. Louis Inc., St. Louis Jewish Federation and others.

Alyn is the operational Chief Executive Officer of BusyEvent, focused on financial operations and opportunities for strategic growth.