August brought a new round of leadership changes across operations, with companies appointing COOs to oversee execution, organizational growth, and day-to-day performance. Here are the 11 Chief Operating Officer appointments announced during the month.
Warner Music Group Promotes Tom Corson as COO
Tom Corson has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Warner Music Group, upping his role from Co-Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Warner Records. Corson, who joined Warner Records in 2018, has been overseeing the company’s business operations, strategy and commercial development for artists spanning Madonna and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Dua Lipa and Benson Boone.
Amanda Busby Joins Dave & Buster’s as COO
Dave & Buster’s Inc. has appointed Amanda Busby as Chief Operating Officer (COO), bringing aboard an operations executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience across the restaurant, hospitality and entertainment industries.
Nike Announces Kristin Bauer as COO of Converse
Nike Inc. named former Foot Locker executive Kristin Bauer to run operations at its struggling Converse brand. Bauer, who was chief supply chain officer for the sneaker retailer for nearly three years until April, will join Converse as chief operating officer.
Beyond Meat Appoints Brijesh Krishnaswamy as COO
Beyond Meat has appointed Brijesh Krishnaswamy, currently chief commercial officer for North America at Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), as its new chief operating officer. During his time at OFI, spanning more than two decades, Krishnaswamy has served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility.
Philz Coffee Announces Mark Johnson as COO – Retail
Philz Coffee appointed Mark Johnson to serve as chief operating officer-retail. Johnson’s career spans more than 30 years of operations leadership experience, per a release announcing his hiring. Most recently, Johnson spent 12 years at California Fish Grill.
QXO Appoints Ken West as President and COO
QXO, Inc. announced the appointment of Ken West as President and Chief Operating Officer. He joins QXO from Honeywell Technologies, where he most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell Process Technology, which holds the leading global position in process technology.
Buffalo Wild Wings Announces Ahmed Awadallah as COO
Inspire Brands has announced the appointment of Ahmed Awadallah as chief operating officer of Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bars. Awadallah joins Buffalo Wild Wings from Espresso House Group (a branch of JAB Holding Company), where he served as managing director and COO of the 500-unit Nordic coffeehouse brand.
Rimini Street Appoints Keith Costello as EVP and COO
Rimini Street, Inc. appointed Keith C. Costello as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, making him the company’s principal operating officer. Costello brings more than 30 years of enterprise software and services experience, including senior roles at DXC Technology, IBM, Zuora, SAP SE, Siebel Systems and Oracle, and previously served at Rimini Street in 2016.
Melba Ansah Joins Howard Brown Health as COO
Howard Brown Health announced that Melba Ansah, MBA, BS, joined the organization as its new Chief Operating Officer. Ansah brings 30 years of healthcare experience across academic medicine, private practice and consulting, with a proven track record of expanding patient access, optimizing clinical operations, and strengthening workforce structures to enhance care delivery.
Equals Appoints Ed Chandler as New COO
Equals has appointed Ed Chandler as Chief Operating Officer as the global money movement platform prepares for its next phase of international expansion. The appointment comes as businesses increasingly seek payment infrastructure that can support cross-border growth without adding operational complexity.
Chris Rocheleau Returns to NBAA as COO
Chris Rocheleau, who served as acting FAA administrator from January 2025, is returning to the National Business Aviation Association as chief operating officer. Rocheleau stepped into the acting administrator role the day after the midair collision between a regional airliner and a military helicopter. He previously served as NBAA COO from 2022 until rejoining the FAA.
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