July brought another active month of executive leadership changes as organizations across manufacturing, healthcare, retail, mining, and technology announced new Chief Operating Officers. As companies continue focusing on operational excellence, customer experience, supply chain resilience, and profitable growth, experienced COOs remain essential to turning strategic priorities into measurable business results.
Below are 10 Chief Operating Officer appointments announced during July 2026.
SEC Appoints Paul Knight as New COO
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is adding a new operations chief at a moment when the agency is trying to move faster on crypto, market structure and investor protection. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Paul Knight has been named chief operating officer, putting a former SEC official and JPMorgan Chase executive in charge of the agency’s operational and administrative machinery.
Walmart Announces Kyle Kinnard as New EVP and COO
Walmart promoted Kyle Kinnard to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Walmart U.S. following the departure of longtime executive Kieran Shanahan. Kinnard assumed the role immediately as part of a broader leadership transition announced in July. Kinnard has spent more than 25 years with Walmart, serving in a variety of senior leadership positions across merchandising, health and wellness, and international operations. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Walmart International.
Best Buy Announces Duane Scarboro as Chief Fulfillment and Operations Officer
Best Buy announced Duane Scarboro as Chief Fulfillment and Operations Officer as part of a broader executive leadership restructuring introduced alongside the company’s CEO transition. The appointment is intended to accelerate the retailer’s strategic priorities and strengthen operational execution. Scarboro has held multiple senior leadership positions throughout his career with Best Buy and brings extensive experience overseeing retail operations, logistics, and supply chain initiatives. His expanded responsibilities include fulfillment, operational performance, and customer delivery capabilities.
Denny’s Appoints Aaron Howard as COO
Denny’s Corp. announced the appointment of Aaron Howard as Chief Operating Officer, bringing a proven restaurant operator into the business as the brand sharpens its focus on execution, guest experience, profitable traffic and stronger restaurant-level performance across the franchise system.
Donny Simmons Named COO of Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies appointed Donny Simmons as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective July 1. In his expanded role, Simmons oversees the company’s regional business units and global operations while helping accelerate execution of its long-term growth strategy. A 25-year veteran of Trane Technologies, Simmons most recently served as Group President of the Americas region, leading a broad portfolio that included commercial and residential HVAC, transport refrigeration, and life sciences solutions.
Six Flags Appoints Mark Pauls as New COO
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, today announced the appointment of Mark Pauls as Chief Operating Officer. Mark Pauls is a disciplined operator with nearly five decades of experience in the entertainment industry. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Herschend Family Entertainment, where he played a key role in the integration of Palace Entertainment.
Inogen Appoints Andy Reding as New COO
Inogen has appointed Andy Reding as Chief Operating Officer, a newly created executive position. In this role, Reding will oversee revenue growth, operational performance, and cross-functional execution as the respiratory care company continues expanding its global business. Reding brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the medical technology industry.
Damian Ribar Promoted to COO at Casella Waste Systems
Casella Waste Systems has named Damian Ribar its chief operating officer. Ribar has more than 30 years of solid waste industry experience, particularly in leading large solid waste and recycling operations and handling the integration of acquired businesses
Mark Rodgers Named COO of Newmont
Newmont appointed Mark Rodgers as Chief Operating Officer as part of a broader executive leadership transition. Rodgers will oversee the company’s global operating portfolio and help strengthen operational consistency across its mining sites. Rodgers joined Newmont in 2020 and most recently served as Managing Director for Africa and Asia Pacific. His career spans more than three decades in the mining industry, including senior leadership positions with BHP and Rio Tinto.
Caldwell Announces John Blank as New COO
Caldwell announced the appointment of John Blank as chief operating officer and the establishment of a new regional managing partner structure designed to support the firm’s continued growth, strengthen operational effectiveness, and enhance coordination across its global platform.
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