LJP Waste Solutions Announces Michael Malatesta as its new Chief Executive Officer

NORTH MANKATO, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LJP Waste Solutions, a leading provider of zero landfill and traditional waste management services, announced the appointment of Michael Malatesta as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 2, 2024.

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,” said Metz. “I am excited to support Mike as he leads our talented team in caring for our customers and executing our growth strategy.”

“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,” added 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.”

Malatesta has spent over 30 years building and leading companies in the Environmental Services industry. As the Founder & 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 Mike remained for multiple years focused on business development and M&A.

A proven entrepreneur, Malatesta then formed and grew ERC Midwest, driving the strategic acquisition of three companies, and significantly bolstering the firm's market position. This strategic expansion was pivotal, culminating 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. I look forward to joining the LJP team and advancing our strategic initiatives,” said CEO Mike Malatesta.

Mr. Malatesta was introduced to LJP Waste Solutions by Tyler Frisbie, the President of executive search firm Frisbie Search Partners, Inc. DBA - GRN McKinney.

About LJP Waste Solutions

LJP Waste Solutions is a zero landfill, environmental services company. Since 1993, LJP has been helping residential, commercial, and large manufacturing companies reach their sustainability goals. LJP provides solid waste and recycling services, specializing in zero landfill and waste-to-energy solutions. For further information, visit the Company’s website at https://www.ljpwastesolutions.com/.

About Nonantum Capital Partners

Founded in 2018 by a team of experienced private equity and management executives as a spin-out from Charlesbank Capital Partners, Nonantum is a Boston-based middle-market private equity firm. Nonantum focuses on investing in family and founder-owned businesses, corporate carve-outs, and complex situations where personal partnership is critical, and opportunities exist for significant equity value creation. For more information, visit https://nonantumcapital.com/.

About Frisbie Search Partners, Inc. DBA – GRN McKinney

GRN is a minority owned business, nationally recognized executive search firm that specializes in placing exceptional leaders within the Environmental Services industry. For more information, visit https://www.grnmckinney.com/about/team.aspx.