Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, is saying goodbye to its CEO.
Sesame Workshop CEO Steve Youngwood is stepping down from his role in concurrence with the Board of Trustees after joining the company in 2015. Sesame Workshop President Sherrie Westin will act as Interim CEO during the transition period.
Youngwood has previously held COO and Executive Vice President positions at the company. Prior to joining Sesame Workshop, Youngwood also worked at The Walt Disney Co., Viacom, and Leapfrog.
“It has been a highlight of my professional career to work alongside the talented and creative individuals on the Sesame Workshop team,” says Youngwood. “I look forward to watching Sesame Workshop’s immensely positive social impact continue long into the future.”
For more than 25 years, Westin has held leadership titles at Sesame Workshop, from Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer to President of Social Impact and Philanthropy.
"Sesame Workshop’s mission has never been more critical and I am honored to step into this role on an interim basis. We will continue investing in our best-in-class programming and launching new resources to provide access to quality early learning to children around the globe.”
“Sherrie is a highly regarded executive who knows Sesame Workshop well and has played an important role in advancing our mission,” says Board of Trustees Chair Gabrielle Sulzberger. “We are confident that with her unique mix of skills, experience, and insight, Sherrie is the right interim leader to drive the organization forward while we work to identify our next permanent CEO.”
The Board has initiated a search process to appoint a new CEO. Youngwood will hold an informal advisory role during the transition.
“Under Steve’s leadership, Sesame Workshop has expanded its reach and impact globally, and is well positioned for ongoing success,” says Sulzberger. “On behalf of the Board, I thank Steve for his commitment to Sesame Workshop, our mission, and people and wish him the best in his next chapter.”
