Jagatramka will take on the executive chairman role for a minimum of four years, leaving his position as non-executive chairman.
Gujarat said his appointment would allow him to actively engage in the management and supervision of the company’s activities.
“The board of directors believes that Mr Jagatramka’s appointment as the executive chairman comes in perfect time and under his leadership and able guidance the company will be able to focus on future growth and create more value for its stakeholders,” Gujarat said.
With more than a decade’s experience in coal production, the qualified chartered accountant will bring a wealth of knowledge to the position.
Jagatramka is also managing director of Gujarat NRE Coke Limited, where he steered the company into becoming India’s largest independent coke producer.
Jagatramka is a well-known figure in the community, regularly donating money to the Illawarra mental health services.
Jagatramka helped saved the Wollongong Hawks from collapsing in 2009 after Gujarat became bank guarantor for the basketball team, which is now named Wollongong NRE Hawks.
He is also an executive committee member for the New South Wales Minerals Council and is an honorary ambassador to India.
Plans to get Gujarat’s NRE No.1 longwall into production by December are on track after roof supports were delivered to the site last month.
The company cleared legal hurdles blocking land around the colliery back in June by paying $45 million to acquire the 93 hectares of associated mining lands around NRE No.1.
