From legacy brands to high-growth companies, executive leadership is changing hands. These newly appointed CEOs are stepping in at pivotal moments, shaping strategy, culture, and the future direction of their organizations. In this blog, Chief Executives Council will focus on 12 CEOs that accepted new roles in January 2026.
Greg Abel takes over as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
Warren Buffett officially stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, handing the reins of the multinational conglomerate to his hand-picked successor, Greg Abel. As the new CEO, Abel will be tasked with upholding Berkshire’s decentralized model — one of the company’s hallmarks — while guiding it into a new era of growth.
Walmart U.S. Names David Guggina as CEO
David Guggina will become CEO of Walmart’s largest division, Walmart U.S. Currently serving as chief e-commerce officer of Walmart U.S., Guggina has spent nearly eight years at the retailer in various positions, including executive vice president of supply chain operations.
TikTok Names Adam Presser as New CEO
TikTok said Adam Presser, who has been serving as TikTok’s head of operations and trust and safety, will be the CEO of TikTok USDS Joint Venture. Presser has worked at TikTok for almost four years and was previously a senior executive at Warner Bros.
Bed Bath & Beyond Names Marcus Lemonis as New CEO
Bed Bath & Beyond named Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis as its new chief executive. In a shareholder letter the same day, Lemonis outlined plans for cost cuts, accretive acquisitions, and an expansion of the retailer’s omnichannel model shaping its near-term outlook.
First United Promotes Jason Rush as New CEO
An industry veteran Jason B. Rush, a First United employee since 1993 who most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of both the Corporation and the Bank.
Greg Beadles is Promoted to President and CEO of Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons Owner and Chairman, Arthur M. Blank, announced the promotion of President Greg Beadles to President and Chief Executive Officer. As President and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons, Beadles will oversee all aspects of the business operations of the organization and collaborate closely with the president of football to ensure alignment of the entire business and football areas of the organization.
Frontier Group Names James Dempsey as New CEO
Frontier Group, parent company of Frontier Airlines, said the board appointed James G. Dempsey as its Chief Executive Officer. Dempsey, who has been the company’s president since October 2023, oversaw Frontier’s commercial operations, customer care and its operations research, design and planning functions.
Jared Carver is Named the New CEO of Tracksmith
Independent running label, Tracksmith, announced Jared Carver, former president and CEO of Converse, will be their next CEO. To guide its next phase, Tracksmith turned to Carver, a seasoned executive with more than two decades of experience leading global consumer brands.
Kendra Scott Announces Chris Blakeslee as New CEO
Chris Blakeslee, an experienced leader in retail, has been appointed CEO of Kendra Scott Design Inc. Blakeslee was formerly president and CEO, as well as a strategic advisor, at Gap-owned Athleta and was president of Alo Yoga for almost six years.
NRG Energy Names Robert Gaudette as New CEO
NRG Energy announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Robert J. Gaudette, Executive Vice President, President of NRG Business and Wholesale Operations, as Chief Executive Officer. In his current role, Mr. Gaudette manages one of the largest business-to-business retail gas, power and demand response platforms in North America.
Frederick Lowery is Named New CEO at Henry Schein
Henry Schein, the world’s largest provider of healthcare solutions to office-based dental and medical professionals, announced the appointment of Frederick M. Lowery as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lowery brings more than two decades of healthcare expertise to Henry Schein, with a strong track record of scaling complex businesses to drive significant growth and sustained value creation.
FMG Names Co-Founder Dave Christensen as New CEO
FMG is shuffling its leadership ranks as it looks to deepen its push into AI-driven marketing tools for advisors and large wealth firms. It has named co-founder Dave Christensen as chief executive officer, succeeding longtime CEO Scott White. Christensen, who has led product and strategy at FMG for years, will now oversee the broader business as the firm expands its platform for RIAs, broker-dealers, wirehouses, regional firms, and insurance organizations.
Additional CEO’s on the Move
CEO’s on the Move: December 2025
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