Kost, who has been with Foundation and its predecessors since 1980, will work with company chairman James Roberts on investor activities and strategic planning efforts, while sharing in executive management responsibilities.

“He is thoroughly prepared from both an operational and organisational perspective to exert effective and influential leadership throughout the company," said Roberts, who added that Kost's long tenure will aid in his new role.

Some of Kost's responsibilities in his former position, including materials management, general equipment management and process improvement, will be managed by senior vice-president of operation Jim Bryja.

Foundation also said Wednesday that senior vice-president, general counsel and secretary Greg Walker will now oversee non-coal assets for the company's gas reserves, including land management and development.

Also in a new role with Foundation is James Olsen, who has been appointed senior vice-president and chief information officer. Formerly its senior vice-president for development and information technology, Olsen will now oversee technology infrastructure and information flow process and practice within Foundation Coal.

The 32-year mining veteran who joined the company in 1999 will keep the company ahead of the technological curve, Roberts said.