New CEO and management promotions at Westmoreland Coal

Keith E. Alessi, CEO of Westmoreland Coal, intends to retire from the company as of 31 December 2015. The Board of Directors has subsequently selected Kevin A. Paprzycki, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, to be the new CEO – effective 1 January 2016. It is intended that Paprzycki will also be elected to serve on the Board of Directors concurrent with the transition.

Alessi will remain an employee of the company as CEO Emeritus. He will be responsible for providing strategic support to both the Board of Directors and management, as well as maintaining key relationships and evaluating business development opportunities.

“We have come through a period of numerous acquisitions and built a solid base business for the future,” commented Mr. Alessi. “It is now time to further integrate and assimilate these new properties and to onboard the San Juan mine. We have a great team in place, now led by Kevin, to accomplish these tasks. Kevin has worked closely with me these past nine years and has had a hand in every major strategic and financial decision. He is uniquely qualified to continue building upon our strong foundation.”

Additionally, the company has two further promotions within the executive team. John Schadan has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer to oversee global operations for the company. Jason Veenstra, who also joined Westmoreland in April 2014 as part of the Canadian acquisition, has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Both promotions will be effective as of 1 January 2016.

“Both John and Jason have played key roles in driving results in Canada and, with their expanded responsibilities, will help Kevin drive future performance and growth,” stated Alessi. “I look forward to continuing to work with the team to build the business.”

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/26102015/new-ceo-for-westmoreland-3064/