WM CEO Jim Fish to Retire; John Morris Named Successor
(RecyclingMonster): WM is preparing for a leadership change, with CEO Jim Fish set to retire after a decade at the helm. According to a company press release, John Morris, its current president, will take over as chief executive on Jan. 4, 2027.
A Decade of Growth and Acquisitions
Fish became CEO in 2016 after spending years in several leadership positions at WM. During his tenure, the waste and environmental services company expanded its recycling and renewable natural gas operations.
WM also made several major acquisitions, including Advanced Disposal in 2020 and Stericycle in 2024. The company’s annual revenue grew from $13.6 billion in 2016 to $25.2 billion in 2025.
John Morris: From Driver to CEO
Morris brings more than three decades of waste industry experience to the position. He started his career as a waste collection driver while attending college and later held roles covering field operations, strategy, customer service and corporate leadership.
He became WM’s president in 2025. In that role, he has overseen sustainability, enterprise strategy and customer experience, while also guiding technology and fleet improvements.
Board Changes and Transition Plan
WM said Morris will join the company’s board when he becomes CEO. Fish will leave the board but will continue to remain as an adviser until mid-February.
Morris said he plans to build on the company’s focus on safety, service, innovation and operational performance in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Jim Fish retiring as WM CEO?
Jim Fish will retire as CEO and from the board effective Jan. 4, 2027, after more than a decade in the role.
Who is replacing Jim Fish at WM?
WM President John Morris will become president and CEO on Jan. 4, 2027, and will also join the board.
How did WM perform financially under Jim Fish?
WM’s annual revenue grew from $13.6 billion in 2016 to $25.2 billion in 2025, alongside major acquisitions such as Advanced Disposal and Stericycle.
What is John Morris’s background at WM?
Morris has more than 30 years in the waste industry, starting as a collection driver and rising through operations, strategy, customer experience and corporate leadership before becoming president in 2025.
Will Jim Fish stay involved after retiring?
Fish will leave the board but will remain as an adviser to WM until mid-February to support the leadership transition.
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