Republic Services Names Coca‑Cola FEMSA CEO Ian Craig to Board to Boost Sustainability, Digital

Republic Services names Latin America sustainability and digital leader to board

Republic Services announces the appointment of Ian Craig, 53, to its board of directors, bringing the board to 13 members, including 12 independent directors. Craig is currently chief executive officer of Coca‑Cola FEMSA, Latin America’s largest bottling company, which operates in 10 countries, generates about $16 billion in annual revenue and has a market capitalization of roughly $23 billion. The company says Craig’s international operating experience and focus on sustainability and digital platforms make him a strategic fit as Republic advances circularity and decarbonization across its operations.

At Coca‑Cola FEMSA, Craig accelerates digital transformation and sustainability initiatives since becoming CEO in 2023, driving renewable energy adoption in production plants and rolling out plastic bottle collection programs aimed at improving material recovery. He also brings deep operational and financial experience from prior roles including chief operating officer for Brazil and Argentina and several senior finance positions, and has led more than $7 billion in mergers and acquisitions across Latin America. Republic’s chairman, Manny Kadre, says Craig’s international business experience and operational excellence align with the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.

Republic’s nominating committee chair, Michael Larson, highlights Craig’s track record in building digital platforms and deploying AI‑enabled capabilities as instrumental to advancing the company’s strategic priorities. The company frames the board addition as reinforcing its push to strengthen customer partnerships, expand recycling and circularity programs, and accelerate emissions reductions companywide. Republic positions the hire as part of a broader effort to blend operational scale with new technology and sustainability leadership in the environmental services sector.

Operational scope and strategic priorities

Republic Services provides recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services through its subsidiaries and publicly emphasizes advancing circularity, supporting decarbonization and enhancing innovation in waste management. The company is leveraging board expertise to link recycling and materials recovery initiatives with digital customer solutions and operational efficiencies.

Executive background and board composition

Craig holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, a master’s in international commercial law and a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from Mexico’s Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Republic notes the appointment strengthens its board diversity of experience as it pursues sustainability and technology‑driven growth.