Operations leadership is taking on a broader mandate as organizations prioritize efficiency, resilience, and execution. March appointments highlight leaders focused on aligning strategy with day-to-day operations, strengthening supply chains, and improving performance. Operations Council spotlights 13 COOs shaping performance and turning priorities into measurable results.
Delta Airlines Appoints Dan Janki as New COO
Delta Air Lines is making some key changes to its leadership team. With John Laughter’s retirement, Dan Janki will become Delta’s Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all aspects of Delta’s safe, reliable operation. In his new role, Janki will lead Delta’s Airport Customer Service, Flight Operations, In-Flight Service, Operations & Customer Center, Reservation Sales and Customer Care, Technical Operations, and Corporate Safety, Security and Compliance teams.
Jericho Energy Ventures Announces Jake Royster as New COO
Jericho Energy Ventures Inc., an energy innovation company positioned at the nexus of energy and AI infrastructure announces the promotion of Jake Royster to Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Jake will oversee execution of the Company’s power-generation strategy supporting its rapidly developing AI data center infrastructure, while advancing the expansion and value optimization of Jericho’s legacy oil and gas assets amid improving market fundamentals.
Nu Skin Announced Chayce Clark as New EVP and COO
Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. announced the appointment of Chayce Clark as chief operating officer. Clark will be responsible for leading the company’s revenue performance and end-to-end operational execution across the business in addition to maintaining his role as the company’s chief legal officer.
Denver Appoints Emily Garnett as New COO
Mayor Mike Johnston has appointed attorney Emily Garnett as Denver’s new chief operating officer. She will oversee the operations of both the mayor’s office and other agencies under his leadership and build relationships with the Denver City Council.
The U.S. Travel Association Promoted Ellen Davis as New COO
The U.S. Travel Association announced the promotion of Ellen Davis to Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, recognizing her contributions to the association and her leadership in driving organizational growth.
Zico Parmar is Appointed as New COO for Evolve Private Wealth
Evolve Private Wealth has appointed Zico Parmar as chief operating officer, adding an experienced operations leader as the firm continues to grow its presence across the country. Parmar previously served as managing director at IEQ Capital.
Matt Kafka is Announced as New COO for Shipley Donuts
Shipley Donuts, the nation’s largest brand of fresh, handmade donuts and kolaches, has expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of new Chief Operating Officer Matt Kafka. Matt Kafka brings nearly 30 years of restaurant operations experience to Shipley. He most recently served as senior vice president and interim COO at Smoothie King.
Bridger Aerospace Appoints Adolphus “Bill” Andrews as New COO
Bridger Aerospace appointed Adolphus “Bill” Andrews as Chief Operating Officer. Andrews brings 30+ years of aerospace and aviation leadership to oversee fleet, maintenance, and mission support with a focus on readiness, safety, operational excellence, and scalable growth.
Amanda Hyde is Promoted as New COO for Krystal
Krystal announced that Amanda Hyde is their next COO. Hyde has over 20 years of restaurant leadership experience, including operations, brand leadership and multi-unit management. At SPB Hospitality, Krystal’s parent company, she has helped boost operational performance and supported the company’s strategy to improve and expand the Krystal brand.
Ocean Thermal Energy Names Shane Osborn as New COO
Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation, a leading renewable energy company specializing in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion and Seawater Air Conditioning, announces the appointment of Shane Osborn as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Shane Osborn brings an exceptional track record of leadership and operational excellence, having previously served as Program Manager for Federal and Commercial Partnerships at OTE Corp.
Westgate Resorts Announces Jared Saft as New COO
Westgate Resorts has named 20-year company veteran, Jared Saft, as chief operating officer. Longtime executive Saft has held a number of leadership roles across the company’s finance, operations and sales and marketing divisions.
Ecolab Splits COO Role between Darrell Brown and Greg Cook
Ecolab announced it is dividing the chief operating officer role into two complementary positions. Darrell R. Brown has been appointed co-COO, Global Markets, and Greg B. Cook has been appointed co-COO, Global Businesses. Brown has served as president and chief operating officer since 2022. Cook joined Ecolab in 1997 and most recently served as executive vice president and president of Ecolab’s Institutional Group.
Paul Eckert is Named COO for Trailborn Hotels
Trailborn Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Paul Eckert as chief operations officer. He will oversee operations across Trailborn’s growing portfolio, bringing three decades of experience leading resort and independent hotel operations across the U.S. Most recently, as executive vice president of operations & business intelligence at Davidson Hospitality Group.
Additional COO’s on the Move
COO’s on the Move: February 2026
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