Schwetz replaces Michael Crews, who has announced plans to step down by the end of July to take the top financial position at a major industrial firm.

Peabody CEO Glenn Kellow said: “Amy is a skilled financial veteran and recognised leader within Peabody, and it is my pleasure to name her as our next chief financial officer.

“We thank Mike for his role in Peabody's international expansion and growth, and look forward to Amy's leadership as we heighten our emphasis on key areas of business improvement.”

Schwetz's financial career spans two decades, including 10 years at Peabody with experience in finance, internal and external audit, investor relations, financial planning and treasury.

She has held domestic and international operational posts, where she helped guide platforms in major repositioning initiatives that have improved productivity and lowered costs.

She served as Peabody Energy senior vice president of finance and administration – Australia; senior vice president of finance and administration – Americas; vice president of investor relations; vice president of capital and financial planning; director of financial planning; and director of compliance and accounting policies.

Schwetz joined Peabody from major accounting firm Ernst and Young where she held multiple audit roles over eight years.

She is a prior winner of the St Louis Business Journal “40 Under 40” Recognition and is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University.