chief operating officer

A chief operating officer (COO), also called chief operations officer, is an executive in charge of the daily operations of an organization (i.e. personnel, resources, and logistics). COOs are usually second-in-command immediately after the CEO, and report directly to them, acting on their behalf in their absence. In some situations, for example where a COO is appointed as the CEO's successor, the position may be appointed by the board of directors.