Republic Services COO Slager to succeed retiring CEO O’Connor at start of 2011

Republic Services COO to succeed CEO O’Conner

PHOENIX — Trash hauler Republic Services Inc. said Monday its chief operating officer will step up into the chief executive role when the current CEO retires.

Donald Slager, 48, will become CEO on Jan. 1, 2011. He has also been added to the company’s board.

Slager will replace James O’Connor, 61, who is set to retire after leading the company for 12 years. O’Connor will remain chairman of the board until the next annual shareholder meeting, which is set for May 2011.

Slager named Kevin Walbridge executive vice president for operations.

Slager was the chief operating officer of Allied Waste Industries until it was acquired by Republic in 2008. He has been in the waste and recycling industry for 30 years.

The company said Slager’s appointment is the result of a comprehensive succession planning process led by the board.