Fred Rogers Productions is expanding its executive team by appointing Benjamin Lehmann, Emmy® Award-winning producer and director and Sesame Street alum, as its first-ever Vice President of Production. Lehmann will provide management and operational oversight of the company’s beloved television, digital, audio, and interactive productions. In this role, he will spearhead operational strategy, directly managing the budgets, schedules, and logistics across all media workflows. Additionally, Lehmann will supervise and guide the company’s senior production teams to support their creative execution and ensure productions align with Fred Rogers Productions’ mission and strategic goals.
“Ben is a talented and resourceful producer who has a demonstrated commitment to making really good content for kids,” said Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer for Fred Rogers Productions. “His proven leadership skills, production expertise, and kind heart will make him a valuable member of our ‘Neighborhood.’”
“I’ve long admired the work of Fred Rogers and all the company’s standout series that are helping further his legacy of supporting kids and families,” said Lehmann. “When the opportunity arose to join Fred Rogers Productions and work with Ellen Doherty, (President and CEO) Paul Siefken, and the whole team, I jumped at the chance. This is a very exciting time for Fred Rogers Productions with the recent launch of the first Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood YouTube channel and continuing production of our hit series. There’s something extra special about joining a company where people are all working towards a singular goal of serving the needs of children. I’m very much looking forward to helping to deliver on that mission.”
A seasoned and well-respected producer and media executive specializing in children’s and family entertainment and educational media, Lehmann is a former head of production for Sesame Workshop, where he led the production and creative teams. He was a longtime producer on Sesame Street, executive producing Seasons 49 to 53. Lehmann also developed The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo (HBO MAX) and was executive producer and series director on Helpsters (Apple TV).
Most recently, Lehmann was an independent producer and director working on projects for PBS (Tiny Time Travel), Netflix (Sesame Street, Blippi), and Hidden Pigeon Company (The Pigeon Explains), among others.
Lehmann has been honored with many industry awards. In addition to multiple Emmys, he has earned a Peabody Award, GLADD Media Award, Imagen Award, and the Japan Prize.
Lehmann holds a B.A. in Film History and French Literature from University of Colorado Boulder.