The board of directors for Houston-based Waste Management Inc. has named James Fish, Jr., president, reporting to David Steiner, the company’s CEO. Fish will retain his existing role as chief financial officer while the company conducts a search to fill that role.

In a release, Steiner says, “The board of directors and I have a strong and ongoing focus on succession planning, and the next logical step in that process is for Jim to be appointed president.”

“In his 15 years with the company, Jim has been pivotal to the success of our business, and this appointment is extremely well deserved. He is a talented leader with tremendous knowledge of and expertise in all aspects of our business and has an impressive track record of delivering results and driving shareholder value. The Senior Leadership Team and I look forward to continuing our work alongside Jim in his added role as President as we execute our strategy to drive profitable growth and create value for our shareholders,” Steiner adds.

“I am excited to take on this role and humbled by the confidence David and the board of directors have demonstrated in me,” says Fish. “Our company’s future is bright, our business plan is solid and I look forward to continue working with our field and corporate teams to successfully execute on all aspects of that plan.”