Former HBO exec Joseph Giraldi has stepped into a new role as COO of Sesame Workshop, with responsibility for heading up the nonprofit’s operational strategy; supporting the creation of educational media, initiatives and products; and reaching more families through new platforms and technologies. 

Based in New York, Giraldi has been immersed in digital media strategy and business development for the past 25 years. He worked at HBO as director of digital distribution and strategic partnerships from 2004 to 2008, and then spent 12 years at Paramount’s Smithsonian Channel, most recently in an EVP of marketing, digital media and strategy position. Over the past two years, Giraldi did a short stint as EVP and COO of entertainment at IMAX and also co-founded CJBK Media Group, a consulting firm focused on working with nonprofits, corporate and start-up orgs.

In his new role, Giraldi reports directly to CEO Sherrie Westin—who was promoted into the Workshop’s top leadership position last year after Steve Youngwood stepped down. 

This executive shuffle comes at a time of flux for the company, whose most iconic show is looking for a new streaming home. Last month, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max opted not to renew its deal for new episodes of Sesame Street, a decision driven by the platform’s prioritization of family and adult content.