The role of an operations leader has always been under the dynamic process of evolution. Today, this change is happening in shut-eye time and is even more dynamic. The skill sets and traits a Chief Operating Officer (COO) requires have changed dramatically throughout the pandemic alone, let alone the constant change following the dynamic technology upgrades. Organizations expect COOs to transform business outcomes and contribute directly to growth. A news that was announced recently caught my attention in this regard.

Undergoing a radical transformation after the Tata takeover, Air India has hired a new COO. The airline has announced the appointment of Captain Klaus Goersch as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer with immediate effect. Captain Klaus is a licensed B777/787 pilot. He will look after crucial sections of Air India, including Flight Operations, Engineering, Ground Operations, Integrated Operations Control (IOCC), and Cabin Crew - from the company’s headquarters in Gurugram, India. Air India’s former COO, Captain RS Sandhu, recently retired from the extended role of Chief of Operations and will now serve on the advisory board.

As companies increasingly look for modern-day operations experts, COOs must adapt their strategy to match the hybrid work culture and have a decisive understanding of technology and digital transformation. It brings enormous challenges. The key to success is meticulously understanding their businesses, being at the cutting edge of the latest technologies, and hence finding the right formula to build ERP solutions that not only solve customer challenges but also enhance their business outcomes. In this yearly special issue, we reveal some interesting stories about some of the excellent COOs in India. Do let us know your thoughts.