Leadership Transition at Hopster

Nick Walters, founder and CEO of Hopster, is stepping down from the company this September, with Miki Chojnacka, currently chief creative and content officer, promoted to co-CEO alongside Tyrell Ellis, who has been serving as chief financial officer.

Walters has transitioned to an advisory capacity, effective July 1, and will be stepping down from September 6. Thereafter Walters will continue to consult for Hopster as board advisor.

Ellis, who has been appointed co-CEO with immediate effect, joined Hopster in May 2020 with extensive financial experience working in publicly listed, private equity and venture-backed technology companies. With a proven record in scaling organizations and providing financial and strategic planning to drive growth, Ellis will be responsible for managing investor relations whilst overseeing the operational, financial strategy to accelerate growth.

Chojnacka has been promoted to co-CEO with immediate effect and has been with Hopster since 2015. Chojnacka has 20 years of experience in the media and entertainment industries, having held senior executive roles in content, creative and strategy at MTV Networks, Viacom and Pearson. Chojnacka will continue to oversee the brand, content and creative strategy and will be looking to further develop its original content, partnerships and global awareness.

Bhav Singh, chairman of Hopster and CEO of Sandbox, said: “I am very sad to see Nick leave. He has created a global, notable, multi-award-winning educational product to help children learn that is loved by millions of families around the world. We wish Nick all the best for the future and are delighted to welcome Miki Chojnacka and Tyrell Ellis as co-CEOs to continue building the Hopster brand.”

Walters said: “While sad to be leaving Hopster, I’m incredibly proud of the team’s achievements since we first launched nearly seven years ago. With Miki and Tyrell taking the reins I couldn’t be leaving the company in better hands—and look forward to continuing to help in whatever way I can as they go on to help kids learn through the stories they love.”

Chojnacka added: “In the last seven years, Nick has developed Hopster into an award-winning global brand with an incredible unique selling proposition that has never been more needed or relevant than it is today. I am immensely excited to be able to continue his work alongside Tyrell to grow the company and take Hopster to its next level.”

Ellis said: “Nick has created an incredible business and though we are sad to see him leave, both Miki and I strongly believe that we have the right team and product in place to build on our momentum and scale the business further in the years to come. By expanding our library of engaging content and focusing on progressive learning principles we feel we are well-positioned to establish Hopster as the brand of choice for millennial parents to help their kids learn through the stories they love.”