LJP Waste Solutions names new CEO

LJP Waste Solutions, a North Mankato, Minnesota-based provider of zero landfill and traditional waste management services, has appointed Michael Malatesta as CEO effective April 2.

Retiring CEO Steve Metz will remain on the LJP board and support key organic and inorganic growth initiatives.

“Mike is a proven leader in the environmental services industry with a strong reputation and track record,” Metz says. “I am excited to support Mike as he leads our talented team in caring for our customers and executing our growth strategy.”

Malatesta has spent more than 30 years building and leading companies in the environmental services industry. As the founder and CEO of Advanced Waste Services, Malatesta grew the company from a startup to a formidable player, expanding to six locations across five states. The business was acquired by Covanta, where Malatesta remained for multiple years focused on business development and mergers and acquisitions.

“We are excited to welcome Mike to the LJP team and believe that his experience growing differentiated businesses in the environmental services industry will be an asset to LJP during its next phase of growth,” says Jon Biotti, managing partner of Nonantum Capital Partners, the Boston-based private equity firm that acquired LJP in 2022. “We’re also grateful to Steve for his leadership and happy to retain him as a valuable board contributor.”

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A proven entrepreneur, Malatesta formed and grew ERC Midwest, driving the strategic acquisition of three companies and bolstering the firm’s market position. The pivotal strategic expansion culminated in a sale to VLS.

“I was drawn to LJP due to its excellent customer service, industry-leading team and growth opportunities in the zero landfill and waste-to-energy markets,” Malatesta says. “I look forward to joining the LJP team and advancing our strategic initiatives.”

Malatesta was introduced to LJP Waste Solutions by Tyler Frisbie, president of the executive search firm Frisbie Search Partners Inc.