Republic Services Inc. said that Robert Boucher, executive vice president, operations, is leaving the company.

The Phoenix-based Republic said in a news release that Boucher has accepted a CEO position with a company based outside North America.

Republic will conduct an internal and external executive search for Boucher's replacement. In the interim Don Slager, president and CEO, will assume Boucher's responsibilities as principal operations officer.

"We would like to thank Bob for his significant contributions to the development and growth of Republic Services, and wish him and his family all the best,” Slager said.

A 20-year waste industry veteran, Boucher was named executive vice president, operations in 2012. He joined Republic in June 2010 as area president in Houston and later served as the company's South Region president.