Carter's Names Build-A-Bear Vet its New CEO

Carter’s announced that Sharon Price John, a veteran children’s consumer and retail executive, will become chief executive officer and president and join the board effective June 15, 2026, following her 13-year tenure leading Build-A-Bear Workshop through a profitability-focused transformation. In connection with her appointment, Douglas C. Palladini departed as CEO, president, and director effective April 28. Current Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Richard F. Westenberger was named interim CEO. Even with this announcement, Carter’s reaffirmed its first-quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 outlook, signaling confidence in its operational momentum as it executes a planned leadership transition.

Total Retail's Take: Price John brings valuable experience to the role at Carter's, having previously led kids-focused brands at Hasbro, Mattel, Stride Rite and, most recently, Build-A-Bear Workshop. During her tenure at Build-A-Bear, she was responsible for overseeing the brand's transformation, including increasing profits, expanding the brand's reach, and growing its e-commerce business. The board at Carter's will be looking to Price John to leverage her experience and skillset to help guide a similar transformation for that organization. Much like at Build-A-Bear, Price John will be tasked at Carter's with accelerating growth; diversifying its revenue, including a greater emphasis on e-commerce sales; and expanding the brand's offerings beyond apparel into complementary categories such as collectibles, gifting, and experiences.