Bay Area Council Names Chief Operating Officer John Grubb as Interim President & CEO

The Bay Area Council announced today that Chief Operating Officer John Grubb has been appointed Interim President & CEO, effective immediately, ensuring strong leadership and continuity following the departure of longtime CEO Jim Wunderman. In the months ahead, the organization will undertake a comprehensive search process to determine the permanent CEO.

Grubb has served in a variety of leadership roles at the Bay Area Council for more than two decades, most recently as COO, where he has overseen the organization’s operations, strategic planning, and policy and internation initiatives. His deep understanding of the Bay Area’s most pressing challenges, combined with his strong relationships with regional business and civic leaders, make him uniquely suited to guide the Council during this transition.

“John’s appointment as Interim CEO ensures that the Bay Area Council’s important work will continue seamlessly,” said Kristina Lawson, Chair of the Bay Area Council Board of Directors. “His long history with the organization, deep policy expertise, and trusted relationships with our members and partners give the Board full confidence in his leadership as we move forward.”

During his tenure, Grubb has played a key role in advancing the Council’s major policy priorities, including tech and innovation, housing, transportation, international connections, and regional economic competitiveness. He has worked closely with business executives, elected officials, and community partners to develop solutions that strengthen the Bay Area’s economy and quality of life.

“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and deeply committed to ensuring the Bay Area Council continues its vital mission of making the Bay Area the most innovative, equitable, and sustainable region in the world,” Grubb said. “I look forward to working closely with our talented staff, our members, and our many partners to build on the Council’s tremendous legacy.”

The Bay Area Council Nominating Committee has begun a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO. After 22 remarkable years as CEO of the Bay Area Council, Wunderman on Oct. 22 announced he will step down from his position effective at the end of the year to lead public affairs for California Forever, a visionary project to create an innovative city in Solano County anchored by advanced manufacturing and other technology industries and a massive new shipbuilding and maritime hub. Jim will continue his critical and influential work with the Council until Dec. 31.

Founded in 1945, the Bay Area Council is a business-sponsored, public policy organization that works to ensure the Bay Area is the most innovative, globally competitive, and sustainable region in the world. The Council’s members include many of the largest and most respected employers across the region and beyond.