Waste Management Inc. announced that John J. Morris Jr. will be named executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of the company, effective immediately. Morris’ promotion follows the retirement of James E. Trevathan Jr.

Morris, 49, has been with the company for more than 20 years in a number of operating positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of operations since 2012 and reported directly to Trevathan. Prior to that promotion, Morris held positions including chief strategy officer, area vice president and market area general manager.

As senior vice president of field operations, Morris managed a number of areas of the business for the southern part of North America, which included oversight of collection, disposal, recycling and landfills.

As chief strategy officer, Morris provided council and leadership in implementing the company’s growth strategy and also held a number of field-based positions including area vice president of the Mid-Atlantic area.

Morris has a bachelor’s of science degree from Rutgers University.