Carter's Inc. (NYSE: CRI) appointed Sharon Price John as chief executive officer and president, effective June 15, 2026, according to a company statement. John will also join the Carter's board of directors on the same date.

Richard F. Westenberger will serve as interim CEO and president while maintaining his roles as chief financial officer and chief operating officer during the transition period until John joins the company.

John concluded her 13-year tenure as CEO and president of Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW). During her leadership at Build-A-Bear, she expanded the business model beyond traditional malls, accelerated e-commerce operations, and extended into content-led marketing. The company reported its fifth consecutive year of record results in 2025 under her direction.

Prior to Build-A-Bear, John held executive positions including president of Stride Rite Children's Group, general manager and senior vice president of Hasbro's Global Playskool business, and various roles at Mattel including vice president of international marketing for the Disney business unit and director of the Barbie brand.

"Sharon has a distinguished track record as a public company CEO and brings substantial and relevant experience in the children's space," said Gretchen W. Schar, incoming non-executive chair of Carter's board of directors.

Douglas C. Palladini departed the company as CEO and president and as a board member, effective immediately, in connection with John's appointment.

Carter's reaffirmed its first quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 outlook that was provided on February 27, 2026. The company will report first quarter results and hold an investor call on May 6, 2026.