Vining said he will continue in a senior advisory role with the company, potentially through the end of this year, to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.

Assuming the role of senior vice-president and chief operating officer is Charles Ebetino Jr.

A three-decade veteran of the coal and utility industries, he was previously Patriot’s senior vice-president of corporate development since the producer’s 2007 spin-off.

Before joining the company, Ebetino held senior management seats for Peabody Energy and American Electric Power.

"Chuck's prior management experience, combined with his operating background and specific knowledge of Patriot's operations, make him an excellent fit for this position," Whiting said.

"His deep understanding of all aspects of coal mining and marketing will serve the company well as he assumes this critical role."

As part of the organizational adjustment, chief executive officer Richard Whiting will assume the role of president and continue in his current capacity as CEO.

Ebetino will continue to report to Whiting in his new role.

His senior management team will include senior vice-president and chief financial officer Mark Schroeder, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer Robert Bennett, and senior vice-president of law and administration, general counsel and corporate secretary Joseph Bean.

"We would like to thank Paul for his leadership and for his commitment to safe mining operations,” Whiting said.

“Paul's efforts have been key to the successful integration of the Magnum operations into Patriot over the past two years and we certainly wish him well with his future endeavors."