Build-A-Bear Workshop is preparing for a leadership transition and handing the business to an executive closely tied to its recent growth.
The company’s Board of Directors confirmed that President and CEO Sharon Price John plans to retire effective June 11, following the company’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. Chris Hurt, Chief Operations and Experience Officer, will step into the CEO role as part of a multi-year succession plan.
Hurt will also join the Board of Directors. Price John will remain on the Board and serve in an advisory role during the transition.
The move maintains leadership continuity as Build-A-Bear comes off its fifth consecutive record year.
“Chris has clearly demonstrated his knowledge, skill, leadership, and passion over the last ten years,” said Craig Leavitt, Chairman of the Board.
Hurt has spent a decade inside the company, working across real estate, international operations, logistics, merchandising, marketing, and licensing. He previously led Build-A-Bear’s global retail business — its largest revenue driver — overseeing more than 4,000 employees and playing a key role in returning the store fleet to profitability.
He also helped shape the company’s capital-light international expansion strategy, which has extended the brand’s reach through partner-operated locations.
“Chris has proven himself as a great leader and, given his success overseeing multiple areas at the company, has had the outstanding and diverse experience to prepare him to be our next CEO,” said Price John. “He has been an incredible partner over the last ten years and brings a consumer-centric, brand-building, data-driven approach to everything he touches. As an instrumental contributor to the current success of the company, Chris understands and simultaneously embraces our heartfelt culture, combined with both a drive and ability to continue to move the organization to even greater heights. I look forward to continuing to serve on the Board and as an advisor to Chris in his new role.”
Price John’s tenure reshaped Build-A-Bear’s business. Since 2013, she has led a financial turnaround, expanded the company’s global footprint, and pushed the brand beyond retail through licensing, digital initiatives, and broader consumer engagement. She also guided the business through pandemic-era disruption while investing in infrastructure and long-term growth.
“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.”
For Build-A-Bear, the transition signals evolution with a familiar operator now tasked with building on a strategy already in motion.
“I would also like to personally thank Sharon for her friendship, ongoing counsel, and inarguable positive impact on this company while acknowledging our founder, Maxine Clark, for her support and legendary work as a pioneer in experiential retail,” Hurt added.
