ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. chief executive officer Craig Jelinek intends to step down from that role, effective January 1, 2024. Ron Vachris The Board of Directors has elected Ron Vachris, who has served as president and chief operating officer since February 2022, to succeed Jelinek as CEO, while continuing to serve as president. The company said that the two executives have worked hand-in-hand in the twenty-one months since Vachris was named to the president and COO role, as well as for many years before that. This is the culmination of the long-standing succession plan that Jelinek had discussed with the board, according to the company, which notes that Jelinek will remain with Costco through April 2024, serving in an advisory role and assisting with the transition. He will also continue to serve on the board of directors and will stand for reelection at the January 2024 annual meeting.