Chief Operating Officer (COO)
The executive responsible for a company's day-to-day operations and strategy execution.
What is COO?
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the senior executive responsible for a company's day-to-day operations and the implementation of the CEO's strategic vision. The COO typically oversees manufacturing, supply chain, sales, human resources, and other core business functions depending on the industry. The role is often viewed as a training ground for future CEOs. Not all companies designate a COO — many technology firms assign operational responsibility directly to the CEO or distribute it among other C-suite executives. When present, the COO usually reports directly to the CEO.
Example
Jeff Williams has served as Apple's COO since 2015, overseeing operations, supply chain, and Apple Watch development. His role complements CEO Tim Cook's focus on strategy and investor relations, with Williams managing the operational complexity of producing hundreds of millions of devices annually across a global supply chain.