Dive Brief:
- Chris Hurt has formally taken on the role of CEO of Build-A-Bear as of Thursday, according to a company press release. Hurt succeeds Sharon Price John, who announced she was leaving the company in March in a planned succession. She remains on the board of directors.
- Meanwhile, CFO Voin Todorovic has taken on the additional role of chief administrative officer, effective Thursday, according to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exhange Commission.
- Additionally, Dave Henderson has been appointed chief growth officer. He was previously the company’s chief revenue officer.
Dive Insight:
As a new CEO takes the reins of Build-A-Bear, the company is reimagining some of its leadership roles.
Amid a backdrop of reporting lower-than-expected Q1 results and lowering its 2026 fiscal outlook, CEO Hurt says Build-A-Bear has a clear strategy focused on profitable growth. “We are dedicated to continuing to advance the experiences, partnerships and opportunities for innovation to ensure Build-A-Bear remains a beloved and distinctive company for years to come,” he said in a statement.
Hurt, who has been with the toy company for over a decade, was formerly the chief operations and experience officer at the company. He has joined its board of directors upon taking on the chief executive role. Todorovic has also spent more than a decade at Build-A-Bear, joining as CFO in 2014, following stints at Wolverine World Wide, Stride Rite, Collective Brands and Payless Shoe Source.
Henderson, who became chief revenue officer less than two years ago, said on LinkedIn he was “honored to take on this new role” as chief growth officer where he will be responsible for all global revenue streams. Prior to joining Build-A-Bear, he was chief commercial officer at toy company Melissa & Doug and spent two decades at Hasbro.
The updates in leadership align Build-A-Bear around its strategic initiatives and business priorities, per the company.
Build-A-Bear’s total revenue in Q1 decreased 2.4% year over year to $125.3 million. Net income increased over 19% to $18.3 million. The company lowered its annual revenue guidance, now expecting total revenue of between $530 million and $550 million.
“While we are taking steps to address this, our focus remains on executing the strategic initiatives designed to leverage the power of the Build-A-Bear brand as we transition to Chris Hurt’s leadership,” outgoing CEO John said in a statement at the time.
In May, Carter’s announced that John would join the kids apparel retailer as its chief executive officer and president.
