WCA’s deputy CEO Benjamin Sporton will be the acting CEO while the organisation recruits Catelin’s replacement.

Catelin is a 34-year veteran of government and public affairs, including 20 years’ direct participation in international energy and environmental negotiations, policy and strategy, having worked in the interconnected resources, energy and environment sectors.

The Australian National University (Master of Public Policy) and University of Queensland graduate was also an independent expert on European research and innovation for the European Commission and was on the Coal Industry Advisory Board for the International Energy Agency for five years.

Catelin was a former Chief of Partnerships and Public Affairs for the United Nations Environment Program, and created a public-private partnership program for Basel Convention on hazardous wastes.

He also spent time with Australian Departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Finance and Administration, Environment and Heritage and was chief negotiator for Australia on the Kyoto and Montreal protocols.

He has been CEO of WCA since 2005 and has received several awards including ‘significant and sustained contribution to achievements’ from Environment Australia in 2001, the US EPA Stratospheric Protection Award (2003) and the Montreal Protocol 20th Anniversary Award (2007).

“I would like to thank Milton for his efforts and achievements on behalf of the WCA and the global coal industry,” WCA chairman Harry Kenyon-Slaney said.

“He has helped to position the WCA as a key stakeholder in global discussions on energy, environment and sustainable development issues.

“We are now looking to build on this progress and strengthen the WCA’s engagement on the strategic issues facing the coal industry. It is an exciting time for the WCA and we are looking forward to fully engaging with our stakeholders on the global challenges we face.”