The path to the corner office often runs straight through operations.
Consider recent examples: Dow Inc., Best Buy, and Asbury Automotive Group have all elevated chief operating officers to the top job in 2026. That preference is becoming even more pronounced. As companies seek to unify sprawling processes and sharpen execution (especially in the age of AI), operational expertise has emerged as a prized currency in the boardroom.
While the appeal of a COO successor is clear, the road to what’s often considered the heir-apparent seat is anything but standardized. A tech company’s operating chief may oversee product delivery and digital infrastructure. A manufacturer’s COO may spend their days optimizing plants, logistics networks, and procurement operations.
Yet data from executive search firms— including Heidrick & Struggles, Russell Reynolds Associates, and True Search—point to four recurring proving grounds:
The enterprise operator. Divisional presidents and general managers already operate miniature enterprises, overseeing budgets, talent, and performance. Scaling that experience across an entire corporation is often a natural next step.
