Mr Scheller will also join the company’s board.

Most recently, Mr Scheller was president of US operations since joining the company in June 2010. He joined Walter Energy as president and COO of its Jim Walter Resources subsidiary. Prior to that, he had spent four years at Peabody Energy Corporation.

Michael Tokarz, chairman of the board, said: “Mr Scheller is the ideal individual to provide strong leadership, address the company's near-term challenges, and capitalize on our significant organic growth opportunities.

"He has a unique combination of hands-on mining experience as well as both a business and legal background gained over a 30-year career in the natural resources industry. Moreover, he brings fresh perspectives and a diversity of thought from his tenure at other mining companies along with 15 months of on-the-ground experience at Walter Energy."

Mr Scheller also served as vice president of Northern Appalachia gas operations at CNX Gas Corporation and before that served in a number of executive and operational roles over 21 years at Consol Energy.

Scheller said: "This is an exciting opportunity and my priorities are clear. I will be intensely focused on enhancing shareholder value; leveraging our world class natural resources to drive additional earnings and growth; continuing to serve our customers with high quality product on a timely basis; and re-committing our organization to providing a safe and rewarding environment for our employees."

Will Mr Scheller’s vast experience help Walter?

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