{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/chief-operating-officer","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/chief-operating-officer","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"chief-operating-officer","term":"Chief Operating Officer","aka":"COO","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"A senior executive responsible for managing the daily operations of a company. They ensure the business runs efficiently and effectively.","what_it_means":"If the business you're buying has a COO, you need to understand their role and whether they will stay post-acquisition. Their retention can be crucial for continuity, especially if you're new to the industry. Evaluate their compensation and their fit within your future management structure.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/chief-operating-officer","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"managerial-control","term":"Managerial Control","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/managerial-control"},{"slug":"executive-authority","term":"Executive Authority","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/executive-authority"},{"slug":"management-authority","term":"Management Authority","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/management-authority"},{"slug":"key-principal","term":"Key principal","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/key-principal"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What is the role of an SBA Business Development Officer (BDO) in my loan process?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/what-is-the-role-of-an-sba-business-development-officer-bdo-in-my-loan-process"},{"question":"How does an operating agreement impact an SBA partner buyout loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-does-an-operating-agreement-impact-an-sba-partner-buyout-loan"},{"question":"What duration of post-acquisition operating expenses can working capital typically cover?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/what-duration-of-post-acquisition-operating-expenses-can-working-capital-typically-cover"},{"question":"Are there any minimum requirements for how long my business has been operating?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/are-there-any-minimum-requirements-for-how-long-my-business-has-been-operating"},{"question":"Does my business need to be operating for a certain time before applying?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-my-business-need-to-be-operating-for-a-certain-time-before-applying"},{"question":"How does the SBA determine affiliation for businesses operating under a license agreement?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/how-does-the-sba-determine-affiliation-for-businesses-operating-under-a-license-agreement"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Chief Operating Officer","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/chief-operating-officer","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}