Sesame Workshop Names Sherrie Westin as New CEO

Sesame Workshop Names Sherrie Westin as New CEO

In a historic move, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind the beloved children’s show Sesame Street, has appointed Sherrie Westin as its new chief executive. Westin will be only the second female CEO in the organization’s history, following in the footsteps of Sesame Street creator Joan Ganz Cooney.

“Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, and no one has done more to advance that mission than Sherrie Westin,” said Cooney in a statement. “I can think of no better person to lead Sesame Workshop as it addresses the most pressing needs of children and families around the world.”

Westin, who had been serving as Sesame Workshop’s president since 2021, took on the role of interim CEO in February following the departure of Steve Youngwood. With over two decades of experience at the organization, Westin has been instrumental in overseeing key initiatives.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Sesame Workshop, as the organization faces important decisions regarding the future of Sesame Street. The show’s deal with HBO is up for renewal, and Sesame Workshop will need to negotiate terms for an extension or find a new home for the program.

Additionally, Sesame Workshop is planning to “reimagine” Sesame Street starting with season 56, set to debut in fall 2025. The show will undergo changes, including dropping the magazine-style format in favor of longer, narrative-driven segments and introducing a new animated segment titled Tales From 123.

Gaby Sulzberger, chair of the Sesame Workshop board of trustees, expressed full confidence in Westin’s leadership, stating, “Sherrie is the inspirational leader the Workshop needs, and she has the Board’s absolute confidence and support as she accepts this role and leads us into the future.”

Westin herself emphasized the importance of investing in children and continuing Sesame Street’s legacy of helping children thrive. “Children are the most important investment we can make in our future,” said Westin. “I’m honored to work with Gaby, the Trustees, and my colleagues to ensure that Sesame Street can continue to make a positive impact for the next 55 years and beyond.”

With Westin at the helm, Sesame Workshop is poised to continue its mission of educating and entertaining children around the world for years to come.