Sesame Workshop Names EVP, Head of Global Media and Education

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind "Sesame Street," announced Ed Wells' promotion to executive vice president and head of global media and education. 

Wells will cultivate the Workshop's long-term strategic vision for media and education in the U.S., in addition to his international portfolio. Reporting to chief executive officer Steve Youngwood, Wells will leverage the brand to maximize audience engagement and grow the Workshop's commercial and educational endeavors worldwide.

Under Wells' 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 domestic and international business in a more holistic approach to its 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," says 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," says 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."

Wells joined Sesame Workshop in 2017 as the senior vice president and head of international media and education. He expanded the organization's brand and business in key markets, securing and managing partnerships across core areas such as consumer products, content production and distribution, English language learning and formal education and themed entertainment. He led his team in identifying early childhood issues in different regions, addressing them with the support of local sponsors by developing community outreach programs featuring "Sesame Street" s characters, educational assets, and a whole-child approach to learning. 

Before Sesame Workshop, Wells was executive vice president and head of international for WWE. He was responsible for the global strategic development of WWE's brand and businesses, including the launch of the direct-to-consumer subscription service, WWE Network. He also worked across the Viacom International Media Networks brands in New York, Singapore and Japan, serving as vice president and general manager of Nickelodeon. 

Wells is actively involved in several philanthropic institutions and is a former board member and current strategic advisor of the Ali Forney Center, supporting homeless LGBTQ teens.