Sesame Workshop announced that Steve Youngwood is leaving his role as CEO.
The board of trustees appointed Sesame Workshop President Sherrie Westin as interim CEO. Youngwood will stay on as an informal advisor during the transition period.
“Under Steve’s leadership, Sesame Workshop has expanded its reach and impact globally, and is well positioned for ongoing success,” said Board Chair Gabrielle Sulzberger in a news release. “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.”
Youngwood stepped up from COO to CEO in a 2020 leadership succession that followed the retirement of Jeffrey Dunn. Westin was promoted into the role of president at the same time.
In his earlier role as COO, Youngwood was also president of the Workshop’s media and education division. He has led expansion of programs now featured on PBS, HBO Max, Apple, CNN and YouTube and grown partnerships with McGraw Hill. Before joining the Workshop in 2015, he held several management roles at Nickelodeon.
“It has been a highlight of my professional career to work alongside the talented and creative individuals on the Sesame Workshop team,” Youngwood said in a statement. “I look forward to watching Sesame Workshop’s immensely positive social impact continue long into the future.”