Build-A-Bear Workshop veteran to take reins as CEO
A leading experiential retailer will soon have a new leader at the helm.
Build-A-Bear Workshop said that longtime president and CEO Sharon Price John will retire, effective June 11. In a unanimous vote, the company’s board appointed chief operations and experience officer Chris Hurt to succeed Price John as CEO, who will transition her responsibilities to Hurt during this period.
The board also appointed Hurt to the board of directors effective upon assuming the CEO role. Price John, who has served as CEO of Build-A-Bear since 2013 following the retirement of founder Maxine Clark will remain on the board and help to ensure a smooth transition.
Hurt joined Build-A-Bear in 2015 as chief operations officer, overseeing real estate, international, logistics, and more recently, merchandising, marketing and licensing. The company credits him with playing a critical role driving initiatives that “returned the store fleet to profitability.”
“On behalf of the entire board, we would also like to extend our appreciation to Sharon,” said Craig Leavitt, chairman of Build-A-Bear Workshop’s board of directors. “Over nearly 13 years after taking over from the founder, Sharon has led Build-A-Bear with heart while identifying and driving toward a powerful vision for the company designed to leverage and monetize the enormous equity of this iconic brand, which has delivered exceptional results and shareholder return.”
“On behalf of the entire board, we would also like to extend our appreciation to Sharon,” said Craig Leavitt, chairman of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “Over nearly 13 years after taking over from the founder, Sharon has led Build-A-Bear with heart while identifying and driving toward a powerful vision for the company designed to leverage and monetize the enormous equity of this iconic brand, which has delivered exceptional results and shareholder return.”
Prior to joining Build-A-Bear, Hurt held senior roles at Polo Ralph Lauren and American Eagle Outfitters.
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“I would like to express my appreciation to the Board for entrusting me with this opportunity to continue to expand on our successful strategy as the next CEO of Build-A-Bear, a company that means so much to me,” said Hurt. “During my time at Build-A-Bear I have learned and intend to continue to honor that our real power comes from our associates and the memorable moments we create for guests of all ages around the world each day through our amazing in-store experiences.”
Founded in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. operates more than 650 company-owned, partner-operated and franchise experience locations across more than 30 countries. Build-A-Bear reported $529.8 million in total revenues for fiscal 2025, representing the company's fifth consecutive year of record results.
