Carter’s appoints Sharon Price John as chief executive officer

US childrenswear group Carter’s has named Sharon Price John as its new chief executive officer and president, effective June 15, 2026. John will also join the board of directors on this date, succeeding Douglas C. Palladini who has departed the company and the board effective immediately.

Richard F. Westenberger, who currently serves as the chief financial officer and chief operating officer (CFO and COO) of the Atlanta-based company, has been appointed interim CEO and president. Westenberger will maintain these dual responsibilities during the transition period until John officially joins the company next month.

John joins the apparel group following a 13-year tenure as CEO and president of US retailer Build-A-Bear Workshop. During her leadership, John oversaw a strategic transformation that included diversifying the business model beyond traditional malls, accelerating e-commerce through an integrated omnichannel focus, and expanding the brand’s reach into the gifting and collector markets.

Strategic leadership and industry experience

Before her time at Build-A-Bear, John held several senior executive roles within the children’s sector. Her career includes serving as president of Stride Rite Children’s Group and general manager and senior vice president of the global Playskool business at US toy company Hasbro. She also held leadership positions at Mattel, including vice president of international marketing for the Disney business unit and director of the Barbie brand.

Gretchen W. Schar, incoming non-executive chair of the Carter’s board of directors, stated that John’s track record in the public sector and her experience in the children’s space make her the “perfect fit” for the role. Schar noted that the board remains confident in her ability to accelerate current initiatives and leverage brand equity to drive sustainable growth and shareholder value.

John commented on her appointment, noting that Carter’s has been a “trusted resource” for generations of parents for over 160 years. She expressed her intention to remain focused on ensuring the company meets the evolving needs of modern families and caregivers at what she described as a pivotal moment for the brand.

Management transition and fiscal outlook

The departure of Palladini comes after a year focused on operational resets. Outgoing non-executive chair of the board, William J. Montgoris, thanked Palladini for his contributions, specifically citing his leadership through the implementation of record tariffs and the streamlining of the organizational structure. Montgoris also highlighted improvements made to the productivity of the brick and mortar retail fleet during Palladini's tenure.

Despite the leadership change, Carter’s has reaffirmed its first quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 outlook, which was originally provided on February 27, 2026. The company is scheduled to report its results for the first quarter on May 6, 2026.

Carter’s currently operates as the largest specialist marketer of young children’s clothing in the US, managing a portfolio that includes its namesake brand as well as OshKosh B’gosh. The group continues to focus on its D2C and wholesale channels to maintain its market-leading position.