Who becomes the new CEO of Dunder Mifflin at the end of season 8 of "The Office"?

David Wallace becomes the new CEO of Dunder Mifflin at the end of season 8 of The Office.

Wallace begins the series as Dunder Mifflin’s chief financial officer and becomes an important corporate connection for the Scranton branch. After leaving the company, he develops and sells the children’s toy company that makes the “Suck It” device, giving him the money to buy Dunder Mifflin back from Sabre.

In the season 8 finale, “Free Family Portrait Studio,” Wallace completes the purchase and fires Robert California, ending California’s brief and chaotic period as the company’s chief executive. Wallace then returns to lead the re-established Dunder Mifflin, placing him above the regional managers and restoring a familiar corporate figure to the story.

The timeline can be confusing because Robert California is also called Dunder Mifflin’s CEO during season 8, after Sabre’s ownership structure changes. Wallace’s promotion happens only after his acquisition of the company. He remains CEO during season 9, while Andy Bernard continues as regional manager in Scranton for part of that period.