Scottsdale, Ariz. — Allied Waste Industries Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz., has announced that Donald Slager, the company’s chief operating officer (COO), will president of the firm on Jan. 3. He will remain COO.

"Speaking as a member of the Board of Directors, we have great confidence in Don’s industry knowledge and experience, but more importantly, in his leadership qualities and his ability to execute the plan that we have in place today," said Charles H. Cotros, chairman and CEO of Allied Waste, in a statement. "Don had demonstrated success at every level within the organization and Allied Waste will be well served by his operational leadership."

The announcement comes just months after Cotros replaced Thomas Van Weelden as CEO. When the move was announced, the company said that Van Weelden would stay with the company and retain his title as president. However, just a short time later, Van Weelden resigned as president and left Allied.