Whitehaven Coal has announced the appointment of Paul Flynn as the group’s new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective from 25 March.

Mr Flynn will take up the reins of the company as Tony Haggarty steps down, having led the company since 2008. Mr Haggarty will assume a non-executive director role following his retirement to assist in transition.

Mr Flynn has been a Non-Executive Director of Whitehaven since the merger with Aston in May 2012, prior to which he was Managing Director of Tinkler Group Holdings from April 2011.

Chairman Mark Vaile said that the choice to put Mr Flynn in the position followed an extensive executive search.

“During the process it became clear that Paul’s combination of resources industry experience, financial acumen and executive leadership skills form a highly attractive combination with our recently-expanded senior management team,” Mr Vaile said.

“On behalf of the Board I would also like to express deep appreciation to Tony for his role in leading our business during the past four and a half years. We are thrilled he will remain on the Board.”