St. Louis, MO, USA – October 29, 2024 – Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) has announced the appointment of Kim Utlaut as Senior Vice President and Chief Brand Officer. With over 20 years of experience in brand strategy and marketing, Utlaut joins Build-A-Bear after serving as General Manager for Franchise Leadership at The Coca-Cola Company. In her new role, Utlaut will lead the ongoing evolution of Build-A-Bear’s brand and communications strategy, focusing on enhancing its relationship with a diverse global consumer base.
Reporting directly to Chris Hurt, Chief Operations Officer, Utlaut will be instrumental in conveying Build-A-Bear’s broad offerings, from product launches to special guest experiences, while maintaining a brand-right tone. Chris Hurt emphasized Utlaut’s strategic value to Build-A-Bear: “Kim’s appointment is a testament to management’s focus on the ongoing evolution of Build-A-Bear as we drive toward delivering accelerated profitable growth. Her deep expertise in brand strategy and marketing, along with her innovative vision and passion, is expected to provide valuable insights as we look to continue to build momentum for the brand.“
Joining Build-A-Bear at a time of consecutive record-breaking years, Utlaut will build on the company’s expanding global retail presence, digital transformation, and collaborative brand investments. During her tenure at The Coca-Cola Company, she developed strategic partnerships with major organizations, including the NCAA, U.S. Soccer, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, leading innovative marketing strategies that drove recruitment and retention initiatives. Her career also includes roles at Sprint and Anheuser-Busch.
About Build-A-Bear:
Founded in 1997, Build-A-Bear is a cherished multi-generational brand focused on its mission to “add a little more heart to life.” With over 500 locations worldwide, Build-A-Bear provides a unique hands-on experience where guests create their own stuffed animals, fostering a lasting brand connection. The brand has extended beyond retail to include e-commerce, licensed consumer products, and engaging content through Build-A-Bear Entertainment. Celebrating over 25 years of creating memories, Build-A-Bear continues to expand its influence across various platforms. In fiscal 2023, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. reported consolidated revenues of $486.1 million.
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