Sesame Workshop Adds Two to Team

NEW YORK: Laura Smith and Palak Solanki have joined Sesame Workshop, in the respective roles of VP of formal learning and VP of business planning and analysis.

Smith, as VP of formal learning, will help define and provide a transformative educational experience for preschoolers in formal classrooms and centers across America. Her work will focus on how Sesame Street can best provide effective and instructional materials for children, professional development for teachers and new ways to engage parents and families to learn together.

Solanki, as VP of business planning and analysis, is responsible for identifying and developing long-term strategic business opportunities and evaluating potential acquisitions and other investments. She will also be responsible for facilitating company-wide strategic planning activities and conducting business analysis.

Smith will report to Dr. Lewis Bernstein, the executive VP of education, research and outreach. Solanki will report to Susan Kolar, chief strategy and administrative officer.

“We are thrilled to add Laura Smith and Palak Solanki to our team as part of our efforts to expand Sesame Workshop’s educational reach by providing quality content for children in schools and communities,” said Gary E. Knell, the president and CEO of Sesame Workshop. “Laura and Palak will be shaping new paths for the Workshop in today’s environment where the models for education and business are evolving with the success of digital technologies.”