Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) announced that Chris Hurt will succeed Sharon Price John as chief executive officer following a planned transition period. Price John will retire from her CEO role effective June 11, 2026, coinciding with the company's annual shareholders meeting.

The board of directors unanimously appointed Hurt, currently the company's chief operations and experience officer, to the CEO position. He will join the board of directors upon assuming the role, while Price John will remain on the board to assist with the transition.

Hurt has worked at Build-A-Bear for 10 years, initially leading the company's global retail organization before expanding his responsibilities to include merchandising, marketing, and licensing. He previously held senior leadership positions at American Eagle Outfitters from 2002 to 2015 and earlier worked at Polo Ralph Lauren and Procter & Gamble.

Price John has served as CEO for nearly 13 years, overseeing what the company describes as a financial turnaround and strategic transformation. Under her leadership, Build-A-Bear reported $529.8 million in total revenues for fiscal 2025, marking the company's fifth consecutive year of record results.

The succession follows what Build-A-Bear characterizes as a multi-year planning process conducted by the board with assistance from an external consulting firm. The process included evaluation of both internal and external candidates.

Build-A-Bear operates more than 650 locations across over 30 countries through company-owned, partner-operated, and franchise models. The St. Louis-based company was founded in 1997 and specializes in personalized stuffed animals and retail experiences.