Operational leadership remains central to how companies respond to supply chain pressure, shifting customer expectations, and organizational scale. This month’s COO transitions underscore the demand for executives who can streamline execution, improve agility, and align day-to-day operations with long-term business priorities.
Today, Operations Council will focus on 11 COOs that accepted new positions in May 2026.
General Mills Promotes Company Veteran, Dana McNabb, as COO
General Mills promoted Dana McNabb to chief operating officer. McNabb, who is group president of North America retail, will continue her current responsibilities, which include overseeing the company’s North America pet segment. McNabb started at General Mills in 1999 and has worked across the company’s major businesses, including cereal, snacks, meals and dairy.
Rockefeller Foundation’s Announces Ashvin Dayal to Become COO
The Rockefeller Foundation announced today that Ashvin Dayal has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Dayal, who has been at the Foundation since 2008 and worked in development institutions, programs, and operations for decades, will succeed Natalye Paquin, who will retire on August 1, 2026.
PCAOB Appoints Randy Thornton as COO
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) in the US has appointed Randy Thornton as its chief operating officer (COO). Prior to this confirmation, Thornton had been serving as acting COO since July 2025 and as chief human resources (HR) officer since December 2022.
WM Appoints Tara Hemmer as EVP and COO
WM announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Tara Hemmer to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Hemmer will assume responsibility for the company’s operating platform, in addition to continuing to lead the Sustainability businesses, including Recycling, Renewable Energy, and Advisory Services.
Notre Dame Football Announces Ron Powlus as First-Ever COO
For the first time in history, Notre Dame athletics has a Chief Operating Officer (COO). It’s former Fighting Irish quarterback Ron Powlus (’97). Powlus has been a longtime administrator at his alma mater, and he will still have oversight of the football program and its name, image and likeness endeavors. He’ll now have a say in sports performance, internal operations, equipment and facilities to his purview with his new title.
Nick Talarick Joins Do It Best Group as New COO
Nick Talarico has been named Chief Operating Officer of Do it Best Group, marking the next major step in the organization’s continued integration of Do it Best and True Value. In his new role, Talarico will have the responsibility of strengthening operations, aligning the team, and advancing Do it Best Group’s work to serve members and retailers through both national brands.
Travis Lenkner Joins Burford Capital as COO
Burford Capital, the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law, announces the appointment of Travis Lenkner as Chief Operating Officer (COO). He currently served as Burford’s chief development officer.
CFP Board Appoints Kathryn Berkenpas as New COO
CFP Board announced that it has appointed Kathryn Berkenpas, CFP®, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Kathryn currently serves as Managing Director, Corporate Growth at CFP Board, and she is the first CFP® professional to serve in this key strategic role.
Botanix Pharmaceuticals Promotes Paul Seaback to COO
Botanix Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a dermatology company, announced the promotion of Paul Seaback to Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Seaback will oversee day-to-day operations, drive key strategic initiatives, and focus on optimizing operational performance.
Confluent Medical Technologies Announces Tom Testa as New COO
Confluent Medical Technologies has hired Tom Testa as its new chief operating officer. Testa was CFO at medtech manufacturer Corza Medical for two years before serving two years as CEO, then became managing director at its parent company, Corza Health.
POET Technologies Announces Appointment of Sandeep Kumar as COO
POET Technologies Inc. announced the appointment of Sandeep Kumar as Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Sandeep Kumar is an experienced executive in the semiconductor industry. In his last position at Silicon Labs based in Austin, TX where he worked for over 18 years, he was Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations.
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