Gamm, a 10-year veteran of the investor relations sector, will manage media and investor communications for the West Virginia organisation. Prior to joining ICG, he operated his own investor relations consultancy, Gamm and Associates, and before that held positions with NACCO Industries and worked in a corporate communications and public relations capacity for Figgie International, United Airlines and Walgreen.

 

“We are pleased to add a seasoned communications executive to the ICG team – particularly one with relevant experience in the coal industry,” said ICG chief Ben Hatfield.

 

“As we move forward with our growth strategy, Ira will play an important role in communicating our progress to our various constituents.”

 

Hatfield and ICG were under fire in January after a case of “miscommunication” when the international media published initial reports that 12 miners trapped in ICG’s Sago Mine in West Virginia were alive – only to be formally informed by the company three hours later that the 12 had died.

 

Shortly after, the coal producer hired third-party PR firm Dix & Eaton to oversee external communications.

 

Including Sago, International Coal Group has 11 active mining operations in the Illinois Basin and the Northern and Central Appalachian regions.