Sesame Workshop has discovered its subsequent CEO.
The non-profit that produces Sesame Avenue has named Sherrie Westin as its new chief government. Westin can be solely the second feminine CEO within the group’s historical past, following Sesame Avenue creator Joan Ganz Cooney.
“Sesame Workshop’s mission is to assist youngsters in every single place develop smarter, stronger, and kinder — and nobody has accomplished extra to advance that mission than Sherrie Westin, a seasoned chief with each confirmed expertise and an unwavering dedication to uplifting the lives of youngsters,” mentioned Cooney in an announcement. “I can consider no higher particular person to steer Sesame Workshop because it addresses essentially the most urgent wants of youngsters and households world wide.”
Westin had been Sesame Workshop’s president since 2021, and was named interim CEO in February following the departure of Steve Youngwood. She joined Sesame Workshop in 1998, overseeing plenty of the group’s key initiatives.
The group is in the course of a pivotal second of transformation. Whereas it averted a strike with its writers earlier this yr, the following 12 months can be important. Sesame Avenue’s take care of HBO is arising for renewal, so Sesame Workshop might want to both conform to phrases on an extension, or discover a new residence for this system.
And Sesame Workshop is planning to “reimagine” Sesame Avenue starting with season 56, which is able to debut in fall 2025. As The Hollywood Reporter completely detailed final October, the present will drop the magazine-style format in favor of two longer, narrative-driven segments, joined by a brand new animated phase Tales From 123.
“After an in depth CEO search, the Sesame Workshop Board of Trustees unanimously chosen Sherrie Westin, who has confirmed herself to be deeply educated, tireless in her efforts on behalf of youngsters and households, and passionately dedicated to our mission,” mentioned Gaby Sulzberger, chair of the Sesame Workshop board of trustees. “Sherrie is the inspirational chief the Workshop wants, and he or she has the Board’s absolute confidence and help as she accepts this function and leads us into the longer term.”
“Youngsters are an important funding we will make in our future. They’re the rationale Sesame Avenue was created 55 years in the past, and why the necessity for our work is bigger than ever,” added Westin. “Carrying on Joan Ganz Cooney’s legacy is each humbling and provoking, and I’m honored to work with Gaby, the Trustees, and my colleagues to be sure that Sesame Avenue can proceed to assist youngsters thrive for the following 55 years and past.”