Costco appoints new COO

Ron Vachris moved into the role effective Feb. 2.

Marianne Wilson for Progressive Grocer

2/15/2022

Closeup of the Costco sign seen at the entrance to its store in Hillsboro, Oregon. Costco Wholesale Corporation is an American multinational retail corporation.

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Costco Wholesale Corp. has made an important move in its leadership team.

The warehouse club giant promoted Ron Vachris to president and chief operating officer, effective Feb. 2, according to a filing by the company. Craig Jelinek, who had previously served as president, will remain as chief executive office and as a board member.

The appointment of Vachris, who was also elected as a director to fill a vacancy on the board, puts him in the spot to succeed Jelinek, who has led the chain since 2012.

Vachris had served as executive VP and COO of merchandising for Costco since 2016. Before that, from August 2015 to June 2016, he was senior VP of real estate development. From 2010 to 2015, he was senior VP and general manager of Costco’s northwest region. Vachris joined Costco in 2010.

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