Sesame Workshop CEO Steve Youngwood Exits, Sherrie Westin Becomes Interim Chief

Sesame Street has a new boss.

Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization that produces the iconic kids TV series, has named Sherrie Westin as interim CEO as Steve Youngwood steps down.

Youngwood, who is also exiting as a member of the board of trustees, has been with the group for nine years and was named CEO in 2021.  

Westin, who is President of Sesame Workshop, will now take over as the board hires a recruitment firm to find a permanent CEO.

Sesame Street, which has produced close to 5,000 episodes, originally aired on PBS but moved to HBO in 2016 and is now streaming on Max.

Gabrielle Sulzberger, Chair of the Sesame Workshop Board of Trustees, said, “Under Steve’s leadership, Sesame Workshop has expanded its reach and impact globally, and is well positioned for ongoing success. On behalf of the Board, I thank Steve for his commitment to Sesame Workshop, our mission, and people and wish him the best in his next chapter.”

Mr. Youngwood added, “It has been a highlight of my professional career to work alongside the talented and creative individuals on the Sesame Workshop team. I look forward to watching Sesame Workshop’s immensely positive social impact continue long into the future.”