Republic Services Inc. reported that its main operations executive, Kevin Walbridge, has left the company.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Republic said it terminated Walbridge’s employment as executive vice president of operations and eliminated the position. Donald Slager, Republic’s chief executive officer, assumed the responsibilities of the principal operating executive.

Will Flower, senior vice president of communications, would not comment on the specifics of the departure. “The change occurred, and it’s a change we hope is good for Republic and good for Kevin. We wish him the best. He’s a good person,” Flower says in an interview.

Walbridge joined Republic in 1997. He took over the executive vice president job in October 2010.