In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, operational leadership plays a pivotal role in driving efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth. Chief Operating Officers are stepping into the spotlight as organizations navigate shifting markets, digital transformation, and global competition. This month, we highlight 10 COOs on the move in August 2025.
Applebee’s Names Jerrold Wong as New COO
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar, part of Dine Brands, has announced the appointment of Jerrold Wong as its chief operations officer. He will concentrate on ensuring consistency, fostering growth and collaborating closely with his team and franchisees to enhance restaurant performance and provide a smooth guest experience throughout the system.
LifeMD Names Shayna Webb Dray as New COO
LifeMD announced the appointment of Shayna Webb Dray as Chief Operating Officer. With over 15 years of experience in operations and supply chain management, Webb Dray has been instrumental in LifeMD’s growth, previously serving as Senior Vice President of Operations. Her leadership is expected to support LifeMD’s expansion into new verticals and enhance patient care quality.
MarketWise Names Erik Mickels as New COO and CFO
MarketWise appointed Erik Mickels as Chief Operating and Financial Officer, a role combining his previous position as CFO with new operational responsibilities. Mickels, who has over 25 years of experience, is expected to drive operational excellence and financial strategy, enhancing MarketWise’s mission to provide world-class financial insights. His leadership is anticipated to support MarketWise’s growth and transformation, benefiting stakeholders by improving performance and fostering innovation.
Xerox Names Louie Pastor as New President and COO
Xerox has announced that Louie Pastor has been named President and Chief Operating Officer. Pastor currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer and Global Head of Operations, where he leads the Xerox Reinvention Office and the Global Business Services organization. In this role, he restructured global operations and drove enterprise-wide improvements in IT, cybersecurity, analytics and operational efficiency.
Lloyd’s Names Stephane Flaquet as New COO
Lloyd’s, the global insurance and reinsurance market, has appointed Stephane Flaquet as its chief operating officer. In his new position, Flaquet will be at the helm of the operations function, tasked with delivering services to both the market and the Corporation. His responsibilities will include the execution of Lloyd’s’ operations strategy and the oversight of the technology, data and change portfolio.
Assurant Names Mike Campbell as New EVP and COO
Assurant, Inc., a premier global protection company that safeguards and services connected devices, homes, and automobiles in partnership with the world’s leading brands, today announced Mike Campbell as new COO, assuming leadership of Global Operations and Information Technology for the enterprise. In his new role, Campbell will lead efforts to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate our technology roadmap, and fully leverage Assurant’s global scale and capabilities across all Assurant products.
Whataburger Names Jessica Reicher as New COO
Whataburger has hired Jessica Reicher as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Jessica brings more than 30 years of diverse restaurant leadership experience, with a proven track record of operational excellence, brand growth, and people-first leadership.
Taco John’s Names Jackie Secor as New COO
The Taco John’s quick-service restaurant franchise has named Jackie Secor chief operating officer. The former GoTo Foods executive utilizes more than 25 years of restaurant industry experience to accelerate Taco John’s growth, enhance franchisee success and streamline systemwide operations. Secor began her restaurant career as a shift manager at Auntie Anne’s. She went on to hold several leadership roles at the pretzel franchise’s parent company, GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands).
Karoo Health Names Pia Shivdasani as New COO
A startup focused on technology that enables cardiac value-based care announced its new chief operating officer. Karoo Health’s new COO, Pia Shivdasani, will help the startup implement operational strategies to support national expansion.
Simon Property Group Names Eli Simon as New COO
Simon®, a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations, announced that Eli Simon, Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Director has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Eli Simon joined the company in 2019, leading the company’s investment strategy for both real estate and non-real estate investments, including new business sourcing, strategic corporate investments, and the execution of various real estate transactions.
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