Interactive entertainment retailer Build-A-Bear Workshop has appointed John Haugh to the newly created position of president and chief marketing and merchandising bear, effective March 16, 2009.

The company also appointed Tina Klocke as its new chief operations and financial bear. Ms Klocke will assume formal responsibility for store operations in addition to her continuing role as chief financial bear.

Mr Haugh will lead the Build-A-Bear Workshop marketing, merchandising and strategic planning teams and support functions to drive sales growth and profitability. He will report to Maxine Clark , Build-A-Bear Workshop chairman and chief executive bear.

Ms Klocke joined Build-A-Bear Workshop as chief financial bear in 1997 as part of the company’s founding team. Her new position formalizes the oversight of the store operations team she assumed in October 2008. In addition to store operations, her responsibilities continue to include the finance and accounting, investor relations and public relations functions.

Mr Haugh most recently served as president of It’s Sugar, LLC, a candy and confectionery retailer. From 2004 through 2007, he served as president of Mars Retail Group where he led all retail business operations for Mars, Incorporated including the retail expansion of M&M’s World. While at Mars, Haugh established metrics-based retail best practices to deliver growth across all channels.

Prior to joining Build-A-Bear Workshop in 1997, Ms Klocke was the Controller for Clayton Corporation, a manufacturing company, where she supervised all accounting and finance functions as well as human resources. Prior to joining Clayton Corporation in 1990, she was the controller for Love Real Estate Company, a diversified investment management and development firm. She began her career in 1982 with Ernst & Young LLP. Ms Klocke is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.