Sesame Workshop consolidates Media and Education business, elevates Ed Wells to lead as EVP and Head of Global Media and Education
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, announced the promotion of Ed Wells to EVP and Head of Global Media and Education. Wells is now responsible for developing and implementing the Workshop’s long-term strategic vision for media and education in the U.S., in addition to retaining his international portfolio. Reporting to CEO Steve Youngwood, Wells will leverage the iconic brand to maximize audience engagement and grow the Workshop’s commercial and educational endeavors around the world.
Under Wells’s leadership, Sesame Workshop has broadened its international reach through innovative new engagement opportunities and strategic partnerships across media distribution, location-based entertainment, and formal learning. He has also overseen the Workshop’s on-the-ground expansion, opening and augmenting offices in Europe, Japan, China, and Latin America. As part of Sesame Workshop’s ongoing commitment to growing its brand and educational impact, Wells will oversee both domestic and international business in a more holistic approach to the organization’s global expansion.
“Today’s kids are facing disruption and uncertainty on a scale we’ve never seen before; it’s more important than ever for us to step up and offer families the kind of support that only Sesame Workshop can,” said Youngwood. “Throughout Ed’s career, he has effectively and consistently overseen complex operations, managed challenging issues, and built strategic partnerships. I’m confident in Ed’s ability to further our child-first mission, broaden our global impact, and evolve the ways families everywhere connect with Sesame Workshop.”
“For 50 years and counting, Sesame Workshop has harnessed the power of media to address the most pressing issues faced by families around the world,” said Wells. “Today, the organization has the strength and momentum to continue that proud legacy into an increasingly complex future, and I’m thrilled and honored to take on this new role.”
