Green®, Northern California’s premier full-service collections and resource recovery company, announces the appointment of Clete Elms as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Elms brings over two decades of executive leadership experience in the waste and recycling industry, with a proven track record in operational excellence. He joined Green in 2024 as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and has been serving as Interim CEO since March 2025. In both roles, Elms has driven key initiatives focused on revenue growth, operating profitability, safety, and sustainability.
After eighteen years of service, previous CEO Tracy Adams stepped down from his role earlier this year and will now serve as a member of Green’s Board of Directors. During his tenure at Green, Adams strengthened Green’s commitment to safe, customer-centric, innovative recycling in Northern California and led the stewardship of the business throughout the 2021 transition to the Macquarie portfolio.
“Clete has led the Green team to achieve success across multiple business functions, including increasing revenue, improving efficiencies, and prioritizing internal culture and workforce engagement,” said Manish Anandpara, Green Board Member and Senior Vice President at Macquarie Asset Management. “He has continuously demonstrated commitment to Green employees and customers and is closely aligned with the company’s sustainability mission. On behalf of the Board, I would also thank Tracy for his unwavering commitment and service to Green for more than eighteen years,” Anandpara added.
“From investments in cutting-edge technology to world-class resource recovery operations, Green has been a leader in the waste industry for forty years. I am honored to formally step into this role and work with Green’s outstanding team and partners to deliver excellence to our customers,” said Elms. “We will continue to invest in our people, optimize our assets, and pioneer new sustainable waste management solutions.”
As Green prepares for a new phase of growth and development, the Board of Directors has expressed confidence in Elms’ strategic leadership. “Green is now poised for even more positive impact and leadership within the recycling industry. We look forward to supporting their ambitious goals as the company enters this exciting new stage with Clete at the helm,” said Anandpara.
Prior to joining Green, Elms served as CEO of Australia-based ch Engineering and as Head of Infrastructure at Cleanaway Management. At Green, he has emphasized the importance of building a culture of accountability and transparency to empower team members and foster momentum within the company.
