cOO

The chief operating officer (COO) is a senior executive charged with the daily operations of a company. In many organizations, the COO is the second-in-command after the chief executive officer (CEO) and serves as the primary executor of the company's business plan.

Responsibilities typically include overseeing production and service delivery, supply chain and logistics, human resources, information technology, and other core functions. The COO focuses on operational efficiency, quality control, cost management, and the implementation of strategic initiatives. They monitor performance, establish metrics, and drive process improvements across the organization. The exact scope varies with industry, company size, and organizational structure.

Reporting lines usually place the COO directly under the CEO, with oversight of senior operations leaders. In some firms the COO also holds the title of president or serves as a key member of the board’s leadership and succession plans. In startups or high-growth companies, the COO may devote more attention to scaling operations and executing the business plan so the CEO can focus on vision and fundraising.

Variants of the role exist by industry; for example, manufacturing-heavy organizations may emphasize supply chain and production, while service firms may center on delivery and customer experience. Some companies use the title Chief Operating Officer, while others use equivalents such as President or Chief Operations Officer, with overlapping duties. The COO typically works closely with the CEO, chief financial officer, and other C-level executives to align operations with strategy.

Candidates for the role often have extensive operations management experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and a track record of driving efficiency and change. An MBA or similar advanced degree is common but not essential. Effective COOs combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution and an ability to manage cross-functional teams and complex processes.