Build-A-Bear Workshop has announced a forthcoming change in its leadership as Chief Executive Officer Sharon Price John is set to retire from her role after a multi-year planned succession process. Chris Hurt, the company's current Chief Operations and Experience Officer, will succeed Price John as the new CEO following a unanimous vote by the board of directors.
Hurt has been highlighted for his decade-long tenure at Build-A-Bear Workshop, during which he played a crucial role in the organization's multi-year turnaround. His oversight expanded to various areas such as real estate, international operations, logistics, merchandising, marketing, and licensing. Notably, the company has reported its 5th consecutive record year for fiscal 2025.
Moreover, since 2013, Price John and her leadership team have overseen a financial turnaround to return to profitability and spearheaded a strategic transformation to expand the business across multiple initiatives, including extending the addressable market and global footprint. The company has also navigated significant external disruptions, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, while focusing on team building, infrastructure improvement, and executing a digital transformation to enable rapid scaling and profitable growth.
Hurt expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Build-A-Bear Workshop into the future, emphasizing the importance of the company's associates and the memorable experiences they create for guests worldwide. He also acknowledged Price John's positive impact on the company and thanked founder Maxine Clark for her support and pioneering work in experiential retail.
The succession planning process was described as thorough and extensive, involving a deliberate, multi-year approach to evaluate internal and external candidates, transition structures, organizational frameworks, and potential impacts of succession decisions across the company. A best-in-class global consulting and search firm was engaged to assist in the process.
Build-A-Bear Workshop, founded in 1997, has evolved into a leading global retailtainment brand, offering personalized furry friends and memorable experiences through its unique stuffing, dressing, and naming process. The company operates more than 650 locations across over 30 countries and reported $529.8 million in total revenues for fiscal 2025.
As the company prepares for this leadership transition, the board expressed appreciation for Price John's leadership and vision, which has delivered exceptional results and shareholder return over her nearly thirteen years as CEO.
The announcement of this leadership change signals a new chapter for Build-A-Bear Workshop, as the company aims to continue its successful strategy under Hurt's leadership and further expand on its iconic brand. As a result of these announcements, the company's shares have moved -0.58% on the market, and are now trading at a price of $70.62. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
