Walter Energy (NYSE: WLT) (TSX: WLT), a leading producer of metallurgical coal for the steel industry, announced today that Keith Calder has tendered his resignation as Chief Executive Officer and a director, effective July 31, 2011. The Board has named Board member Joseph B. Leonard to succeed Mr. Calder as Interim Chief Executive Officer at that time.
Mr. Leonard served as Walter Energy's Interim Chief Executive Officer from March 2010 through March 2011. The Board has engaged Spencer Stuart to initiate a search, within Walter Energy and externally, for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.