Roberts will transition to the company’s executive chairman role on July 1, per Foundation’s succession plan.
Replacing Roberts will be current Foundation president and chief operating officer Kurt Kost, who has served in the role since last January. Kost was appointed to the operator’s board of directors effective February 26 and will begin his duties as CEO on July 1.
Roberts initially became president and CEO for Foundation five years ago, when the producer was established through a leveraged buyout, and two years later, in 2006, became chairman. Prior to Foundation’s creation, he was president and CEO of its successor company RAG American Coal Holdings.
“Under his direction and leadership as CEO, the company has grown to be the fourth-largest coal producer in the US with operations in Northern Appalachia, Central Appalachia and the Powder River Basin in Wyoming,” officials noted of his legacy.
“Throughout his career at Foundation, Roberts has played a leading national role promoting the coal industry as a safe and essential component for supplying America’s future energy needs.”
Among Roberts’ involvements in the coal community are stints as director and former chairman of the National Mining Association, director of the Center for Energy and Economic Development, and an executive committee member for the National Coal Council.
“Kurt has demonstrated outstanding leadership and management acumen in each position in which he has served during his long tenure with the company,” Roberts said of Kost.
“His leadership skills have propelled him through the ranks of the company and should serve him well in his future role as CEO.”
Before becoming president and COO for Foundation, Kost held the role of executive vice president where he oversaw materials management, general equipment management, process improvement, business development and management of the planning and engineering group.
A veteran of Foundation and its predecessors since 1980, Kost also held the position of senior vice president for Western operations.
