Chief Executives Council introduces a new blog series called CEOs on the Move, where we highlight the recent moves of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Today, we will focus on 8 CEOs that got offered a new position in August 2023.

Chanel Announces An Unexpected New CEO

Leena Nair was named the new CEO of Chanel, but this choice was not an obvious choice to lead Chanel. Before assuming the role in January 2022, she’d been chief human resources officer at Unilever, a $132 billion behemoth that counts Dove soap, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Hellmann’s mayonnaise among its products. The British-based conglomerate operates more than 300 factories across 69 countries—a far cry from Chanel’s Parisian ateliers, where seamstresses might spend 200 hours or more quietly laboring over a single couture dress. And though she was a public face of Unilever at conferences like Davos and HerRising, Nair had never held a CEO role.

Nikola Announces New Leadership Transitions

Nikola Corporation, a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy supply and infrastructure solutions, via the HYLA brand, today announced Michael Lohscheller will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nikola Corporation effectively immediately and as a member of the Board of Directors effective as of August 31, 2023. Steve Girsky, Chairman of the Board since September 2020, has been named CEO of Nikola. Lohscheller has decided to step down due to a family health matter and will be returning to Europe. He will remain at Nikola in an advisory capacity through the end of September to support a seamless transition.

CNN Is Expected to Name Mark Thompson as CEO

Warner Bros. Discovery is in advanced talks to name Mark Thompson, a former top executive of the  New York Times and the BBC, as CNN’s new leader, according to people familiar with the matter. Thompson’s expected hiring as CNN’s chief executive officer comes as the network is trying to reverse a multiyear ratings slump and bring stability to its ranks after a tumultuous year and a half that saw its two previous bosses depart abruptly.

Paul Jacobs Named CEO of Globalstar

Former Qualcomm boss Paul Jacobs is taking over as chief executive of Globalstar, a satellite company that supports Apple’s emergency-communications capabilities.

Crystal S. Denlinger, M.D., is the new CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

Crystal S. Denlinger, M.D., is the new CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), replacing Robert Carlson, M.D., who is retiring after more than 10 years leading the organization. Denlinger is currently the senior vice president and chief scientific officer for the NCCN. She helped create pilot programs for the Health Equity Report Card, overseeing oncology research grant facilitation. Her promotion will see her oversee a staff of more than 150 employees and maintain the library of NCCN Guidelines.

Dutch Bros Inc Announces New CEO

Oregon drive-thru chain Dutch Bros said company President Christine Barone will take over as CEO on Jan. 1. A former Starbucks executive, Barone will succeed Joth Ricci, who has run Dutch Bros since 2019.

RingCentral Announces New CEO

RingCentral, Inc. announces Tarek Robbiati, a member of the RingCentral Board of Directors since December 2022 and Chief Financial Officer and EVP of Finance and Strategy of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, effective August 28, 2023.

Valvoline Announces Lori Flees as New CEO as Sam Mitchell Retires

Valvoline Inc., a trusted leader in preventive automotive maintenance delivering quick and convenient service, today announced that Sam Mitchell is retiring as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective September 30, 2023. Mitchell will be succeeded by Lori Flees, current President of Retail Services, as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Flees will also join the Company’s Board.