J. Christopher Hurt, 60, 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.
