Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW), the experiential retail franchise brand with more than 650 locations across over 30 countries, completed a planned CEO transition on June 11, 2026. Chris Hurt, a company veteran of more than 11 years, assumes the top role. The board also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share on the same day.
The transition arrives on the heels of five consecutive years of record revenues. Build-A-Bear reported $529.8 million in total revenues for fiscal 2025, a milestone the company describes as its fifth straight year of record results. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, the brand now operates a mix of company-owned, partner-operated, and franchise locations across more than 30 countries, with its franchise concept complemented by an e-commerce channel at buildabear.com.
A 13-Year Tenure Gives Way to an Internal Promotion
Chris Hurt joins the executive suite from the role of Chief Operations and Experience Officer, a position in which he contributed to strengthening the brand’s global operations, refining the in-store guest experience, and advancing key strategic initiatives. His predecessor, Sharon Price John, led the company for 13 years and will remain on the Board of Directors following the handover.
“I am honored to step into the Chief Executive Officer role and build upon the company’s current position of strength. With a clear strategy focused on profitable growth, our powerful brand, and a talented global team, 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,” said Chris Hurt, Chief Executive Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop.
“We have tremendous confidence in Chris as he leads the company forward, building on proven strategies and unlocking the next chapter of value for this iconic brand,” added Craig Leavitt, Chairman of the Board.
A Reshaped Executive Team to Support the New Strategy
The CEO appointment came alongside a broader reshaping of the senior leadership team. Voin Todorovic, who serves as Chief Financial Officer, also takes on the role of Chief Administrative Officer, expanding his mandate to cover enterprise-wide oversight alongside his existing financial responsibilities. Dave Henderson, previously Chief Revenue Officer, moves into the newly designated position of Chief Growth Officer, a title that reflects a wider focus on long-term global growth and revenue diversification across channels and markets.
The company described these adjustments as a way to align the organization around three stated priorities: disciplined financial management, operational efficiency, and accelerated growth. All changes took effect immediately and apply across Build-A-Bear‘s global operations.
Board Declares $0.23 Quarterly Cash Dividend
Alongside the leadership announcements, Build-A-Bear‘s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share on all issued and outstanding common stock. Payment is scheduled for July 9, 2026, to stockholders of record as of June 25, 2026.
The declaration follows the company’s run of record annual results. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) continues to operate across retail, e-commerce, and franchise channels, with its store network spanning more than 30 countries worldwide. The combination of a new CEO, a restructured leadership team, and a maintained dividend signals a company entering this new phase from a stable financial position.
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