Costco Wholesale Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Costco Wholesale has 4 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, global operations, merchandise procurement, and warehouse logistics.

Driven by a commitment to membership value, Costco Wholesale maintains a mission to provide high-quality goods at competitive prices through efficient bulk purchasing and streamlined operations for global customers.

Leadership Roles at Costco Wholesale

  • President & Chief Executive Officer & Director - Ron Vachris
  • Chief Operating Officer - Ashraf Nizamuddin
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Merchandise - Douglas Schutt
  • Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Warehouse Operations (U.S. & Mexico) - Caton Frates
  • Ron Vachris - President & Chief Executive Officer & Director

    Ron Vachris, the President & Chief Executive Officer & Director at Costco Wholesale, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the global retail organization. Overseeing the alignment of membership-based warehouse operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer & Director ensures consistent value delivery across all international markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain ethical sourcing standards and operational efficiency. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and bulk purchasing power, Ron Vachris directly influences the company's market position and financial health. Vachris manages the integration of private label products with major brands to sustain competitive advantages. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer & Director secures the future growth of the enterprise through disciplined expansion and a focus on the core warehouse model that defines the brand identity.
    Ron Vachris

    Ashraf Nizamuddin - Chief Operating Officer

    Ashraf Nizamuddin, the Chief Operating Officer at Costco Wholesale, manages the daily execution of global retail processes and internal infrastructure. Overseeing the complex supply chain and warehouse workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational efficiency remains at the forefront of the business model. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams to optimize inventory management and logistics across diverse markets. By streamlining internal procedures, Ashraf Nizamuddin directly supports the company's ability to offer high-quality goods at low prices. Nizamuddin monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement and cost reduction. Through rigorous oversight of operational standards, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the consistency and reliability that define the membership experience, ensuring that every warehouse functions at peak capacity to meet the demands of individual and business shoppers.

    Douglas Schutt - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Merchandise

    Douglas Schutt, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Merchandise at Costco Wholesale, directs the procurement strategy and product selection for the entire retail network. Overseeing the curation of both private label goods and well-known brands, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Merchandise ensures that the inventory aligns with the company's value-driven mission. This leadership role involves negotiating bulk purchasing agreements to maintain competitive pricing for members. By analyzing consumer trends and market demand, Douglas Schutt directly impacts the variety and quality of products available in warehouses. Schutt manages relationships with global suppliers to guarantee ethical sourcing and consistent supply chain performance. Through strategic merchandise planning, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Merchandise drives revenue growth and strengthens member loyalty by providing essential household items and electronics at superior price points.

    Caton Frates - Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Warehouse Operations (U.S. & Mexico)

    Caton Frates, the Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Warehouse Operations (U.S. & Mexico) at Costco Wholesale, directs the physical operations and facility management across North American markets. Overseeing the daily performance of warehouses, the Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Warehouse Operations (U.S. & Mexico) ensures that safety, efficiency, and customer service standards remain high. This leadership role involves managing regional teams to execute the company's membership-based model effectively. By optimizing labor allocation and facility maintenance, Caton Frates directly supports the operational success of the organization in these key territories. Frates coordinates with corporate leadership to implement new retail technologies and service improvements. Through the management of warehouse-level activities, the Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Warehouse Operations (U.S. & Mexico) sustains the high-volume, low-cost environment that attracts and retains a massive base of loyal members.
    Caton Frates

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Costco Wholesale Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Costco Wholesale?
    Costco Wholesale is led by Ron Vachris (President & Chief Executive Officer & Director), along with executives such as Ashraf Nizamuddin (Chief Operating Officer) and Douglas Schutt (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Merchandise).
    Who is part of Costco Wholesale’s executive team?
    The executive team of Costco Wholesale includes leaders such as Ron Vachris (President & Chief Executive Officer & Director), Ashraf Nizamuddin (Chief Operating Officer), Douglas Schutt (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Merchandise) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Costco Wholesale have?
    Costco Wholesale has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Costco Wholesale’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Costco Wholesale includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer & Director, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Merchandise, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Warehouse Operations (U.S. & Mexico).