Hooke retires as CEO on December 31, after 11 years in the top job.

Prior to Peabody, Pearson was deputy chief executive of the MCA. He also worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including in Washington DC, and was the Japan and Korea correspondent for the Australian Financial Review.

MCA chairman Andrew Michelmore said Pearson provided a rare blend of skills and experience in industry advocacy, government, the media and corporate advisory.

“As deputy CEO of the MCA he made an important contribution to key policy advocacy, including on carbon pricing and resources taxation,” he said.

“He has a strong appreciation of the challenges that the minerals industry faces over the medium term.”

Michelmore said Hooke had been an outstanding leader of the MCA for more than a decade.

“He combined sound policy judgment, innovative thinking and outstanding advocacy skills,” he said.

“He has been an influential player in Australian public policy for nearly 25 years and can be proud of his contribution to a raft of major national economic reforms over that time.”

Hooke also oversaw the consolidation of the mining industry advocacy.

During his tenure with the MCA, it took over the Australian Gold Council and, more recently, the Australian Coal Association.

Pearson certainly steps into the role with some coal credentials on top of his other attributes.