The move follows the resignation of Christopher Knibb who previously held the position.

Prior to joining Patriot in 2007, Schroeder held several key management positions at Peabody Energy, beginning in 2000.

Schroeder’s work at Peabody included filling the role of president for Peabody China from 2006 to 2007, vice president of the company’s materials management division from 2004 to 2006, vice president of business development from 2002 to 2004 and vice president and controller from 2000 to 2002.

His more than 30 years of business experience also includes functioning as chief financial officer of Behlmann Automotive Group from 1997 to 1998 and financial management positions with McDonnell Douglas Corporation and Ernst & Young, LLP.

Patriot notes that Schroeder is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.

St Louis-based Patriot spun off from Peabody Energy in 2007 and is now one of the largest coal miners east of the Mississippi River.

It operates 13 mining complexes in West Virginia and Kentucky and controls about 1.9 billion tons of proven and probable reserves.