J. Christopher “Chris” Hurt is the Chief Executive Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop, the global retail and entertainment brand known for its interactive stuffed-animal experiences. He took over as CEO on June 11, 2026, after more than 11 years with the company in senior operational leadership roles.
Hurt's career spans retail operations, merchandising, brand development, marketing, and international expansion. Before becoming CEO, he served as Chief Operations and Experience Officer, where he helped restructure Build-A-Bear's retail business, improve store profitability, and expand its international presence.
His appointment followed a planned leadership succession and reflects the company's decision to promote an executive with deep knowledge of its business, customers, and retail operations.
Education and Early Career
Hurt earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Missouri. He later joined the university's Alumni Association Board of Directors.
He began his professional career at The Procter & Gamble Company, where he developed experience in a large consumer-focused business. He subsequently held positions of increasing responsibility at Polo Ralph Lauren, gaining exposure to the retail and apparel industries.
These early roles helped establish the foundation for a career focused on consumer behavior, brand development, and retail management.
Building Retail Experience at American Eagle Outfitters
In 2002, Hurt joined American Eagle Outfitters, beginning a 13-year period with the apparel retailer. He held several senior leadership positions, including Regional Director, East Zone Vice President, Vice President and General Manager of Factory Stores, and Senior Vice President of North America.
His responsibilities included overseeing retail operations across multiple markets and managing different parts of the company's store network.
From 2011 to 2015, he held senior responsibility for factory stores and retail operations in North America, including Canada and Mexico.
This experience gave Hurt a strong background in managing large retail organizations, improving store performance, and leading teams across different markets.
Joining Build-A-Bear Workshop
Hurt joined Build-A-Bear Workshop in April 2015 as Chief Operations Officer. The company was working to strengthen its retail business and adapt its operating model to changing consumer habits.
In June 2020, he became Chief Operations and Experience Officer. His responsibilities covered the company's global retail management and operations, including guest experience, real estate, store development, and logistics.
Build-A-Bear's retail model depends on more than selling products. Customers visit stores to take part in an interactive experience, creating their own stuffed animals and personalizing them through a range of activities. Managing that experience across a large store network requires consistent operations, trained employees, and careful attention to customer expectations.
Hurt played a central role in restructuring the company's largest business unit. Under his oversight, Build-A-Bear improved store-level profitability and strengthened its retail operating model.
The company also expanded internationally through a capital-light, partner-operated approach. Rather than relying entirely on company-owned stores, this model allowed Build-A-Bear to enter additional markets with local partners.
Expanding Beyond Retail Operations
Beginning in early 2024, Hurt's responsibilities expanded beyond store operations. He shifted his operational and consumer-insight experience toward the company's brand, merchandising, marketing, and licensing functions.
This broader remit gave him influence over how Build-A-Bear developed products, reached new customer groups, and extended its brand into additional categories.
The change was significant because it connected the company's retail operations with the wider customer experience and commercial strategy. Product development, licensing, and marketing all play a role in keeping the brand relevant to existing customers while attracting new audiences.
During his decade at Build-A-Bear, Hurt contributed to a broader business turnaround. The company reported its fifth consecutive record year in fiscal 2025, a milestone highlighted in the announcement of his appointment as CEO.
Becoming CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop
On March 12, 2026, Build-A-Bear Workshop announced that Hurt would succeed Sharon Price John as CEO following a planned transition. The company's board also appointed him to its Board of Directors, effective when he assumed the CEO role.
Hurt officially became Chief Executive Officer on June 11, 2026, the date of the company's annual shareholders' meeting. Sharon Price John, who had led the company for nearly 13 years, remained on the board during the transition.
The board cited Hurt's decade of experience at Build-A-Bear, his understanding of the business, and his contribution to its operational turnaround as key reasons for selecting him.
His appointment placed an executive with direct experience across retail operations, real estate, logistics, merchandising, marketing, and licensing at the head of the company.
As CEO, Hurt is responsible for guiding Build-A-Bear's overall strategy, business performance, international development, and customer experience.
Leadership and Community Involvement
Hurt's leadership experience includes managing large teams and overseeing several parts of a consumer-facing business. At Build-A-Bear, his responsibilities have included a global retail organization with more than 4,000 employees.
His background reflects a practical approach to retail leadership: improving store operations, understanding customer behavior, developing products, and creating a consistent brand experience across markets.
He has also been involved in community and charitable initiatives. Hurt previously served as President of the Build-A-Bear Foundation and participated in the Executive Steering Committee for Make-A-Wish Missouri/Kansas.
His community involvement has also included Toys for Tots, the American Red Cross, United Way of Metro St. Louis, and Shriners Children's Hospital.
Key Facts About Chris Hurt
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | J. Christopher Hurt |
| Common Name | Chris Hurt |
| Current Position | Chief Executive Officer |
| Company | Build-A-Bear Workshop |
| CEO Appointment | June 11, 2026 |
| Industry | Retail, Consumer Products, Entertainment |
| Previous Position | Chief Operations and Experience Officer, Build-A-Bear |
| Previous Companies | American Eagle Outfitters, Polo Ralph Lauren, Procter & Gamble |
| Education | BA in Communications, University of Missouri |
| Areas of Expertise | Retail Operations, Brand Development, Merchandising, Marketing, Licensing, International Expansion |
| Community Involvement | Build-A-Bear Foundation, Make-A-Wish Missouri/Kansas, Toys for Tots |
About Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop is a global retail and entertainment brand founded in 1997. The company is best known for its interactive retail experience, where customers can create and personalize their own stuffed animals.
Its business includes company-operated stores, international partner-operated locations, e-commerce, wholesale, licensing, and other brand-related activities. The company has expanded beyond its original stuffed-animal products into clothing, accessories, collectibles, and licensed merchandise.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Build-A-Bear operates in multiple countries and serves customers through both physical retail experiences and digital channels.
Under Chris Hurt's leadership, the company is focused on building on its retail turnaround, developing its brand and product offering, and continuing its international expansion.
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