To lead implementation of its strategy, the subsidiary named Nick Ingham as international hedging, sales and marketing vice president to head the London office.

Alpha chief commercial officer Brian Sullivan said the company’s intent was to build an export platform for US thermal coal that had long-term potential.

“This is another step in moving us further down the value chain as we continue our model of direct customer contact,” he said.

“Having an office in London – the financial centre for coal globally – enhances customer support by putting us closer to the market.

“It also demonstrates Alpha’s commitment to supplying the broadest portfolio of high quality Central Appalachian (CAPP) coals to customers across the continent and complements our well-established sales efforts in metallurgical coal.”

With a background as a thermal coal trader with the UK’s largest utility generator, Ingham brings experience in the energy industry to his new role.

He has served in operations and strategy positions with European utilities for the past decade and holds a bachelor of arts degree in business from Staffordshire University.

“We are fortunate to have an individual of Nick’s calibre lead our London effort,” Sullivan said.

“He’s widely respected for his strategic acumen and has broad experience in trading gas, power and coal and executing international coal trading strategy. That makes him a great fit to extend our European capabilities.”

Alpha’s objectives in the European market include increasing customer regard for the quality, reliability and dependability of the company’s thermal coals and unsurpassed US export capabilities.

“We have an excellent opportunity to broaden our product portfolio with thermal coal customers in Europe, where we’ve seen increasingly greater recognition of CAPP thermal coal qualities over the past several years,” Sullivan said.

“Being closer to the end users of coal enhances our European platform and gives us greater visibility into the important API 2 export market.

“Exports account for about 40% of Alpha’s revenues, so this is a critical component in the company’s strategy of continuously optimising our business and building value for shareholders.”