Dive Brief:
- Norwell, MA-based waste management company Clean Harbors has appointed Michael L. Battles, 47, as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). The appointment is part of a planned transition to replace James M. Rutledge, who acted as the company's CFO since 2005. Rutledge will remain in his role as vice chairman and president.
- Prior to his appointment, Battles served as the company's senior vice president, corporate controller, and chief accounting officer since 2013. His "broad financial experience" made him the ideal choice for the new CFO, explained company CEO Alan S. McKim in a statement.
- McKim stated that Rutledge will work closely with Battles as he transitions into his new position, and Rutledge will also continue to "provide counsel on strategic and financial aspects of the company."
Dive Insight:
"[Battles] has successfully led our accounting function during the past two-plus years, including significant work related to cost reductions and the planned carve-out of our energy-related businesses. His energy, vision and acumen will be instrumental in helping to drive our corporate strategy going forward," said McKim in a statement.
The appointment of Battles as the new CFO comes in a line of transitions for Clean Harbors. The company also recently named Eric J. Dugas as vice president, corporate controller, and chief accounting officer.
Clean Harbors, founded in 1980, works in a wide range of service for the waste and recycling industry, including hazardous waste management and emergency spill response. The company is North America's largest recycler of used oil, and a leading provider of environmental services for commercial, industrial, and automotive customers, according to a statement.
