As operational excellence becomes a competitive edge, COO transitions are signaling where companies are prioritizing efficiency, scale, and execution. Today, Operations Council will highlight 12 COOs that accepted new roles in November 2025.
US Soccer Announces Dan Helfrich as New COO
The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed Dan Helfrich, former Deloitte Consulting LLP Chair and CEO, as Chief Operating Officer. He is a seasoned leader with more than 27 years of experience driving transformational growth for Fortune 500 companies, will step into this newly created role to oversee the organization’s daily operations, with a focus on optimizing business processes and executing key strategic initiatives to drive accelerated growth for the Federation.
Tailored Brands Appoints Karla Gray as New EVP and COO
Tailored Brands announced Karla Gray, who joined the retailer in May 2021 as executive vice president and chief stores officer, is being promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer.
South Florida Announces Derrick Brooks as New COO
University of South Florida CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins announced that Hall of Fame linebacker and Tampa Bay sports executive Derrick Brooks will serve as Chief Operating Officer for USF Athletics. Brooks joins USF athletic department’s senior leadership team after more than 15 years in professional sports management, most recently as Executive Vice President of Corporate and Community Development at Vinik Sports Group.
Suma Simcoe Named New COO at Gold Coast Health Plan
Gold Coast Health Plan names Suma Simcoe as new chief operating officer. She brings to Gold Coast nearly 25 years of leadership experience in health care operations and system implementation.
Chubb Names Bill Hazelton as New COO
Chubb announced that Bill Hazelton has been appointed to Chief Operating Officer for North America Field Operations. In this role, Bill will oversee the delivery of Chubb’s full portfolio of personal and commercial insurance products and services to agent and broker distribution partners through 48 branch offices across North America.
Infragistics Announces Jason Beres as New COO
Infragistics, the software company powering UX/UI solutions and data-driven tools for the world’s largest enterprise applications and the teams behind them, has announced Jason Beres as its first Chief Operating Officer. Beres previously served as the company’s SVP of Developer Tools. In his new role, he will lead the continued adoption of AI across operations and the company’s core product lines, expand and develop teams and oversee marketing, sales, product and IT functions.
Paris Baguette Announces Zac Sulma as New COO
Paris Baguette, the French-inspired bakery café franchise with nearly 260 units across the United States, has welcomed Zac Sulma to the team as their new chief operating officer. As Paris Baguette works toward their goal of reaching 1,000 locations by 2030, Sulma will serve as a key leader to steer their operational growth and support continued success as they scale.
SWIVEL Announces Jenna Cantwell as New COO
SWIVEL®, a subsidiary of SWBC and leading fintech company specializing in integrated solutions, announced that financial services and software industry veteran, Jenna Cantwell, has been named as its Chief Operating Officer. Cantwell brings proven expertise in operations, payments, risk, and compliance to her new role at SWIVEL.
Ted Schnuck Named New COO at Schnucks
Ted Schnuck has been appointed COO for the Schnucks banner. As a great-grandson of company founder Anna Donovan Schnuck, Ted will be the eighth Schnuck family member and first member of the fourth generation to have day-to-day operating responsibility for Schnucks. Ted joined Schnucks in 2015, bringing to the company expertise in developing and executing business strategies, understanding consumer behavior, and driving brand growth, developed from key positions in management consulting and consumer packaged goods.
Mary Sue Patchett Named New COO at Brookdale Senior Living
Mary Sue Patchett has been named Brookdale Senior Living’s chief operating officer, a position in which she will continue to play a central role in the company’s new regional operating structure. It’s the first time in more than 10 years that the company has hired a COO.
Burger King Announces Nicolas Henrich as New COO
Nicolas (Nico) Henrich has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Burger King U.S. & Canada. Henrich has held senior roles with the Company across franchising, development, finance, strategy, and supply chain.
Dollar General Announces Emily Taylor as New COO
Dollar General has named Emily Taylor its new chief operating officer. She most recently served as the retailer’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer and has been with the company for more than 25 years. In her new role, Taylor will have responsibility for the company’s store operations, global supply chain, merchandising, marketing and digital, real estate and store development, decision science, and process improvement organizations.
Additional COO’s on the Move
COO’s on the Move: October 2025
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