James O'Connor, CEO of Phoenix-based Republic Services for 12 years, will retire on Jan. 1, 2011. Donald Slager, currently president and COO of Republic, will replace O'Connor as CEO and will retain his position as president. O'Connor will continue to serve as chairman of Republic's board of directors until the firm's next annual meeting in May 2011.

“Given our successes in achieving the financial and operational milestones of the merger of Republic Services and Allied Waste and the clear path forward for the company, I believe the time is right for me to retire,” said O'Connor in a statement. “It is with pride and confidence that we prepare to transition leadership of the company into the capable hands of Don Slager, who I believe is the ideal person to lead the next chapter in Republic's history.”

“It has been a privilege to work with Jim O'Connor as we have successfully realized the value of the merger of Republic and Allied,” Slager added. “He has instilled within the company a fundamental dedication to our shareholders, our customers, and our employees, as well as broad respect for the integrity and values that make Republic a leader in the industry.”

Slager was president and COO of Allied Waste Industries when the firm was purchased by Republic in 2008. He has 30 years of experience in the solid waste industry and has been with Allied/Republic for 25 of those years.

Republic also announced that Kevin Walbridge will assume the title of executive vice president - operations on Oct. 1. Walbridge is currently the senior vice president of Midwestern operations.