On May 14, 2025, Waste Management (NYSE: WM), North America’s leading provider of environmental solutions, announced a significant leadership advancement that is poised to further solidify its market leadership and drive sustainable value creation. John J. Morris, Jr., who has an impressive 30-year tenure with the company, was appointed President while retaining his role as Chief Operating Officer. This move underscores WM’s People First strategy, emphasizing leadership development and operational excellence.
John Morris will now oversee all field operations and the company’s departments focused on Sustainability, Customer Experience, and Enterprise Strategy. CEO Jim Fish stated, “John’s leadership capabilities, coupled with his proven track record of delivering results and enhancing shareholder value, make this appointment exceptionally well-deserved.” WM’s strategic emphasis on cultivating future leaders aligns perfectly with Morris’s elevation, signaling confidence in his ability to steer WM towards greater success.
For fiscal year 2024 ending December 31, WM reported total revenues of \(22.06 billion, with a robust net income of \)2.75 billion. The company’s operational footprint includes 62,000 associates working together to deliver comprehensive environmental services across the United States and Canada.
In recent earnings calls throughout 2024, Morris has highlighted key operational enhancements, including the strategic acquisition of Winters Bros., which expanded WM’s capabilities particularly on Long Island, addressing disposal constraints and optimizing waste transport through intermodal assets. Morris emphasized these assets as key contributors to WM’s network efficiency and growth potential.
WM is recognized for its innovative infrastructure in recycling, organics, and renewable energy. The company leads North America in landfill gas-to-electricity plants and operates the largest heavy-duty natural gas truck fleet in the industry. Under Morris’s operational guidance, the push towards automation and sustainable practices continues to accelerate. For example, WM has removed approximately 800 rear load trucks from its fleet, automating about 650 residential routes since early Q2 2024, with plans to target an additional 350 to 400 routes by year-end to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Morris’s leadership is critical as WM advances its People First strategy while strengthening its position as a leader in environmental services. The focus remains on delivering lasting shareholder value, supporting communities, and maintaining WM’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The company’s strategic initiatives, particularly under Morris’s expanded leadership, are expected to drive positive long-term financial and environmental outcomes. With a $22 billion+ revenue base and an ongoing commitment to sustainability and automation, WM is poised to enhance operational margins and shareholder returns.
For investors and industry analysts, understanding the impact of Morris’s transition to President alongside operational expansions provides confidence in WM’s sustainable growth trajectory. As noted in multiple recent earnings calls, leadership continuity and strategic execution remain pillars of the company’s success.
To review the original 8-K filing and further details about WM’s corporate strategy and recent financial performance, visit the source document.
Tags: WM leadership appointment, Waste Management sustainability strategy, John Morris WM President, environmental services industry growth, WM operational efficiency