Biography

The website you are linking to is a third party site providing a service for Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Different terms of use and privacy policy apply.

The website contains press releases, reports, conference presentations and other information released in the past by Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. These contents may no longer be current. The passage of time can render information stale, and you should not rely on the continued accuracy of any such material beyond the date of issuance. On the date released, some of the contents of this website may have contained statements that were then "forward-looking statements", based upon then current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involved risks and uncertainties, then enumerated by Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. To the extent any information is forward-looking; it is intended to fit within the safe harbor for forward-looking information. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise the contents of this website, including but not limited to any forward-looking statements made at the time the information was first released, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Any SEC filings are provided by a hyperlink to a third-party SEC filings website, and are subject to the limitations noted above. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. does not maintain or monitor this site, nor does it provide information directly to this site.

 

 

J. Christopher Hurt

J. Christopher Hurt

Director, Chief Executive Officer

J. Christopher Hurt was appointed to the Board of Directors effective as of June 11, 2026, in connection with his employment as Chief Executive Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop. Mr. Hurt joined the Company in 2015 as Chief Operations Officer, and, from June 2020 until June 11, 2026, served as Chief Operations and Experience Officer. Much of his tenure with the Company has focused on restructuring the organization’s largest business unit, the global retail management and operations team, including guest experience, real estate, build-out, and logistics. Since 2024, Mr. Hurt has shifted his operational and consumer-insight expertise to redefine the brand, merchandising, marketing and licensing areas of the Company’s business where he has further expanded consumer segments and categories through product expansion and engaging brand initiatives. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hurt was at American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. from 2002 to 2015 in various senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President of North America, Vice President/General Manager of the Factory stores, Zone Vice President and Regional Director. Prior to that, Mr. Hurt held positions of increasing responsibility at Polo Ralph Lauren after starting his career at The Procter & Gamble Company. In his various executive management positions, Mr. Hurt has gained extensive experience in retail operations, merchandising, branding, marketing and licensing. Mr. Hurt provides Build-A-Bear Workshop with highly relevant and valuable insights and perspectives in leading retail businesses, strategic planning, and brand initiatives.