Clean Harbors Inc. (NYSE: CLH) announced that founder and Executive Chairman Alan S. McKim plans to retire from the board and his role as Chief Technology Officer once the board appoints a new chair.

The board expects to name an independent chair later this summer as part of a planned leadership transition, according to the company statement.

McKim founded Clean Harbors in 1980 and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until 2023, when he transitioned to Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer. The company has grown to generate more than $6 billion in annual revenue under his leadership.

"Thanks to Alan's foresight and long-term strategic approach, the Clean Harbors brand has become synonymous with world-class environmental services," said Edward Galante, lead independent director.

Clean Harbors has participated in major emergency responses including 9/11, hurricanes, the Deepwater Horizon disaster, avian flu outbreaks and COVID-19 decontamination projects during McKim's tenure.

The company now employs nearly 25,000 people, operates a fleet of more than 20,000 vehicles and maintains over 900 service branch locations across North America, according to Co-Chief Executive Officer Mike Battles.

McKim said he is confident in the leadership of Co-Chief Executive Officers Eric Gerstenberg and Mike Battles. "After working for more than 50 years in the environmental industry, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family," McKim stated.

McKim serves as vice chair on Northeastern University's Board of Trustees and on the Board of Directors of South Shore Health. He holds an MBA from Northeastern's D'Amore-McKim School of Business and honorary doctorates from Northeastern and Massachusetts Maritime Academy.