The Toronto-based company said the appointment was effective immediately.

He replaced the recently resigned Oscar Ordonez.

Arbelaez, formerly chief executive officer of Proelectrica & Cía and former manager of Comercializadora Andina de Energia, has more than 15 years experience in the Colombian energy sector and agricultural industries.

“We are very pleased to welcome Octavio Arbelaez to our board of directors and look forward to the value and experience he will bring to the board,” executive chairman Hernan Martinez said.

The management change is the second in less than a year for the company.

Last October it tapped Martinez to serve as its executive chairman after the sudden resignation of Luis Carvajales.

At the same time, Luigi Salemi Nieto became chief operating officer, while Ricardo Plata took over as executive vice president.

Pacific Coal Resources is listed on the TSX under PAK.