Operational leadership is evolving as companies prioritize efficiency, resilience, and execution at scale. These newly appointed COOs are stepping in to optimize operations, align teams, and drive performance across the enterprise. In this blog, Operations Council will focus on 14 COOs that accepted new roles in January 2026.
Nike Creates New COO Role and Names Venkatesh Alagirisamy as New COO
As part of its turnaround plan and to remove extraneous layers in management, strengthen the company’s leadership connection with consumers, and further activate its “sport offense”, Nike is reorganizing its senior leadership team. The company has established the position of Chief Operating Officer with current Chief Supply Chain Officer Venkatesh Alagirisamy assuming this role. As part of this position, Alagirisamy will lead Technology as well as his existing responsibilities leading Supply Chain, Planning, Operations, Manufacturing and Sustainability, ensuring that technology is fully integrated across the company.
FedEx Appoints Scott Ray as New COO
FedEx Corp. announced the appointment of Scott Ray as chief operating officer for U.S. and Canada Surface Operations. Ray will be responsible for leading all aspects of Surface Operations in the U.S. and Canada, from the daily operations of safely and reliably delivering millions of packages every day, to ensuring the effective execution and implementation of strategic initiatives
Hyundai Announces Michael Ross as New COO
HD Construction Equipment, Hyundai North America, has promoted Michael Ross to the role of chief operating officer (COO) where he will oversee daily operations and support Hyundai North America’s president and CEO, Stan Park, in overseeing the organization’s operational strategy. Prior to this role, Ross worked for other construction equipment manufacturers for 24 years, where he went from territory sales manager to director of product and operations.
Nissha Co. Names Michael Memminger as New COO and CFO
Nissha Co. Ltd. has appointed Michael Memminger as chief operating officer (COO)/chief financial officer (CFO) of Nissha Medical Technologies (NMT). In his dual COO/CFO role, Memminger will provide global direction and oversight of Nissha Medical’s financial activities and fiscal well-being, offering strategic direction and support across M&A efforts and organic growth opportunities.
Crowley Names Megan Davidson as New COO
Crowley is naming Megan Davidson as the company’s new COO. Since being appointed Crowley’s chief people officer in 2021, Davidson has led the continuing evolution of the company’s culture, strengthening its talent, governance and performance management systems across the enterprise.
Todd Horvath is Promoted to New President and COO of BMI
BMI announced that Todd Horvath has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. Horvath brings more than two decades of experience in international financial services, with an emphasis on technology integration, mergers and acquisitions, innovation and customer service. He most recently served as president of U.S. Information Solutions at Equifax.
Quavo Appoints David Oldershaw as New COO
Quavo, a US-based dispute management software provider, has refreshed its executive leadership team, appointing David Oldershaw as chief operating officer. Oldershaw brings over 15 years of experience in operational leadership, having most recently served as COO at OfficeRnD since 2023.
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. Appoints Peter Norgeot as New COO
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. announced the appointment of Peter Norgeot as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Norgeot joins Algonquin after having recently retired as COO from Entergy Corporation and will be responsible for leading the Company’s electric, gas, and water regulated utility operations, capital execution, and enterprise-wide operational excellence initiatives.
Sally Wallace is Promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Leonardo DRS
Sally Wallace has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer at Leonardo DRS. Wallace is a defense industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience and has been with Leonardo DRS since 2002. Prior to her promotion, she served as executive vice president of operations beginning in 2016.
Aetherflux Appoints Joe Yaffe as New COO and CLO
Aetherflux, the space-based solar power company founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, announced the appointment of Joe Yaffe as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Legal Officer (CLO). In this dual executive role, Yaffe will oversee the company’s worldwide operations, legal, and regulatory affairs.
CAVA Names Doug Thompson as New COO
CAVA has named Doug Thompson chief operations officer. He is tasked with overseeing the fast-casual chain’s operations and field teams as it continues to expand across the United States. He previously spent more than 20 years at Texas Roadhouse, where he served as COO and vice president of operations.
BJ’s Restaurants Promotes Christopher Pinsak as New EVP and COO
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. appointed veteran operations leader Christopher Pinsak as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, formalizing his promotion from Executive Vice President and Chief Restaurant Operations Officer, a role he had held since September 2024. Pinsak brings more than two decades of leadership experience within BJ’s.
Wingstop Appoints Rajneesh Kapoor as New COO
Wingstop appointed Rajneesh Kapoor, previously president of international, as its chief operating officer. In his new Wingstop position, Kapoor will be in charge of the company’s domestic and international franchise development and operations in addition to overseeing company-owned restaurants.
Lambda Appoints Leonard Speiser as New COO
Lambda, the Superintelligence Cloud, announced the appointment of Leonard Speiser as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Speiser will lead day-to-day operations and drive the execution of Lambda’s strategy to deploy, operate, and own supercomputers used by the world’s largest companies.
Additional COO’s on the Move
COO’s on the Move: December 2025
0 Comments