Sesame Workshop Names Joseph Giraldi Chief Operating Officer

Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind “Sesame Street,” has appointed Joseph Giraldi as chief operating officer. Giraldi will oversee the organization’s operational strategy to continue creating award-winning educational media, initiatives and products while delivering impact to families through various platforms and new technologies. Giraldi will report to Sherrie Westin, chief executive officer, Sesame Workshop.  

“Sesame Workshop has been using the power of media to bring quality early education to children around the globe for more than 55 years, and in this rapidly changing media environment, Joseph’s deep expertise in digital strategy and business development will be a huge asset going forward,” says Westin. “He has a proven track record in media and technology and is highly regarded as both an innovative and empathetic leader. I’m excited to partner with him to ensure that Sesame Workshop is positioned to deliver on our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder for decades to come.” 

“What I admire most about Sesame Workshop is the organization’s sense of purpose and long history of making a meaningful difference in the lives of children,” says Giraldi. “Five decades ago, it used the cutting-edge medium of the time, television, to transform the way children learned and prepared for success in school and life. Today, the Workshop continues its legacy of innovation at a critical time when its mission has never been more needed. I look forward to working with the team to help carry on this incredible legacy.”  

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Most recently, Giraldi co-founded the consulting firm CJBK Media Group, which serves nonprofit, corporate and startup organizations by offering thought leadership and strategic planning to promote innovation and growth through storytelling, technology and strategic partnerships. Previously, he held positions focused on driving new business growth at IMAX, Time Inc. and IBM. In addition to those roles, Giraldi spent twelve years at Smithsonian Channel (Paramount) in various capacities, including as executive vice president, digital media and strategy, where he led global marketing, growth strategy and execution, overseeing the development of foundational operational and organizational structures to manage the company’s international digital and product portfolio. Early in his career, as director, digital distribution and strategic partnerships, HBO, he spearheaded the vision, strategy and execution of HBO’s expansion into digital content and emerging platforms.  

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Giraldi serves on the Board of Trustees for TDF, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the power of the performing arts to everyone, and as an adjunct professor in the Entertainment, Media and Technology Program at NYU Stern.