Clean Harbors Names Robert Willett Chairman as Founder Steps Down After 40 Years
Event summary
- Robert Willett appointed Chairman of the Board, effective immediately, replacing founder Alan S. McKim who is retiring after 40 years.
- Willett has been an independent board member since 2019 and previously served as CEO of Cognex Corporation for 14 years.
- McKim founded Clean Harbors in 1980 and led its growth into North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services.
- Clean Harbors operates in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and India with a diverse customer base including Fortune 500 companies.
The big picture
Clean Harbors’ transition marks the end of an era for its founder, who built the company into a dominant player in environmental and industrial services. Willett’s appointment brings operational expertise from the technology sector, potentially signaling a focus on innovation and efficiency. The move comes as the industry faces increasing regulatory scrutiny and demand for sustainable solutions.
What we're watching
- Governance Dynamics
- How Willett’s technology and automation background will influence Clean Harbors’ strategic direction.
- Execution Risk
- Whether the co-CEOs can maintain growth momentum under new board leadership.
- Industry Leadership
- The pace at which Clean Harbors advances its long-term vision with a new Chairman.