Kansas City, Mo. ? The head of Hallmark Cards Inc.’s greeting cards division is stepping down after 37 years with the company.

Donald Fletcher, 59, will retire June 30 after running the “personal expressions” group since 1997. Before that, he served in product development and marketing positions within the nation’s largest greeting card company.

“During his tenure, Don has been a true champion of product leadership and the company has benefited from his focus on innovation and quality,” said Donald Hall Jr., Hallmark president and chief executive.

The personal expressions group includes greeting cards, stationery, gift wrap, ornaments, party supplies and gifts in the United States and Canada.

David Hall, senior vice president for human resources, and Hall’s brother, will replace Fletcher on July 1. David Hall, 42, joined the privately-held company in 1981.

Hallmark has a production plant in Lawrence.