“Keith has enjoyed more than 50 years in the mining industry and remains one of the industry’s most respected and highly regarded individuals,” chairman John Conde said.

“His recent contribution to Whitehaven through its transition from a private to public company, and its emergence as one of the country’s leading independent coal producers, has been of immense value to both the company and its shareholders."

While Ross will remain with Whitehaven on an advisory basis going forward, Stewart will take over the position effective April 1.

Stewart joined Whitehaven in October 2007 as CEO and most recently held the position of executive manager of mining at Thiess, where he had held a number of senior positions since 1997.