Waste Management Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Waste Management has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, human capital, operations, corporate governance, legal affairs, and recycling innovation.

Focused on sustainable resource recovery, Waste Management delivers essential waste collection, recycling, and disposal services while advancing renewable energy solutions for diverse municipal, industrial, and commercial clients across North America.

Leadership Roles at Waste Management

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Fish
  • Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer - Tara Hemmer
  • President - John Morris
  • President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling - Brent Bell
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Kim Stith
  • Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer - Chuck Boettcher
  • James Fish - Chief Executive Officer

    James Fish, the Chief Executive Officer at Waste Management, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the entire enterprise, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between operational efficiency and environmental sustainability goals. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to drive shareholder value while expanding the company's footprint in renewable energy and resource recovery. By prioritizing technological integration across collection and disposal networks, James Fish optimizes service delivery for millions of customers. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on scaling circular economy initiatives to meet evolving regulatory requirements. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and market expansion, Fish secures the competitive position of the firm within the North American waste sector. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of safety and innovation that defines the operational excellence of the entire organization.
    James Fish

    Tara Hemmer - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Tara Hemmer, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Waste Management, directs the daily execution of waste collection, disposal, and recycling operations across North America. Overseeing the vast network of facilities and logistics, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures maximum efficiency in resource recovery and material management. This leadership role involves optimizing fleet performance and facility throughput to meet the rigorous demands of municipal and industrial clients. By integrating advanced data analytics into operational workflows, Tara Hemmer improves service reliability and reduces environmental impact. The Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer coordinates with regional teams to maintain strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards. Through continuous process improvement, Hemmer drives the operational scale required to support the company's growth objectives. Ultimately, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer maintains the high-performance standards that define the core service delivery of the organization.
    Tara Hemmer

    John Morris - President

    John Morris, the President at Waste Management, directs the commercial strategy and market expansion efforts across the organization. Overseeing the integration of business units, the President ensures that service offerings meet the specific needs of commercial and industrial customers. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and strengthening relationships with key municipal partners to secure long-term contracts. By aligning sales initiatives with operational capabilities, John Morris drives revenue growth and enhances the company's market presence. The President collaborates with other C-suite leaders to refine the service portfolio, particularly in the areas of healthcare waste and specialized disposal. Through strategic oversight of regional business performance, Morris ensures consistent delivery of value to clients. Ultimately, the President shapes the commercial trajectory of the firm, ensuring that the organization remains the preferred provider for comprehensive waste and environmental solutions in the competitive North American landscape.
    John Morris

    Brent Bell - President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling

    Brent Bell, the President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling at Waste Management, directs the strategic development of recycling infrastructure and material recovery processes. Overseeing the recycling division, the President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling ensures that the company effectively processes diverse waste streams into valuable commodities. This leadership role involves investing in advanced sorting technologies and expanding the reach of recycling programs to municipal and commercial partners. By optimizing the supply chain for recovered materials, Brent Bell increases the efficiency of the circular economy model. The President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling collaborates with industry stakeholders to improve material quality and marketability. Through innovation in processing techniques, Bell drives the sustainability goals of the organization. Ultimately, the President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling secures the company's position as a leader in the recycling industry.
    Brent Bell

    Kim Stith - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kim Stith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Waste Management, directs the global talent strategy and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the company attracts and retains top-tier professionals capable of managing complex waste and recycling infrastructure. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that emphasize safety, operational compliance, and professional growth across all regional divisions. By implementing modern performance management systems, Kim Stith drives employee engagement and aligns individual contributions with the broader mission of environmental stewardship. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with executive leadership to cultivate an inclusive culture that supports the diverse needs of the workforce. Through strategic talent acquisition and succession planning, Stith strengthens the internal capabilities required to maintain high service standards. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds the human capital foundation necessary for the long-term success of the enterprise.
    Kim Stith
    Chuck Boettcher, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer at Waste Management, directs the legal strategy, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance frameworks. Overseeing the legal department, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business activities align with federal, state, and local environmental laws. This leadership role involves managing complex litigation, contract negotiations, and intellectual property protection related to recycling technologies. By providing counsel on risk management, Chuck Boettcher safeguards the reputation and assets of the company during large-scale infrastructure projects. The Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer works closely with the Board to maintain high standards of corporate ethics and transparency. Through proactive engagement with regulatory bodies, Boettcher navigates the evolving legal landscape of the waste and energy sectors. Ultimately, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer provides the essential legal structure that allows the organization to operate with integrity and resilience.
    Chuck Boettcher

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Waste Management Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Waste Management?
    Waste Management is led by James Fish (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tara Hemmer (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer) and John Morris (President).
    Who is part of Waste Management’s executive team?
    The executive team of Waste Management includes leaders such as James Fish (Chief Executive Officer), Tara Hemmer (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer), John Morris (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Waste Management have?
    Waste Management has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Waste Management’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Waste Management includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling, Chief Human Resources Officer.