“The board, John and I have been planning for this transition since John was elected to the board in 2006, and I am confident that he is the ideal person to lead Arch forward at this time of tremendous growth and change in global energy markets,” Leer said. “John is an experienced and proven leader with a clear vision for Arch’s future. He has spearheaded our recent growth initiatives, led Arch’s ongoing efforts to expand sales into the international arena, and solidified our position as the industry leader in safety and environmental stewardship. I have no doubt that Arch Coal will build upon its record of achievement and success under John’s strong leadership.”
Leer was elected CEO of Arch Mineral Corp., an Arch Coal predecessor, in 1992, and became CEO of Arch Coal when it was formed in July 1997. Under Leer’s leadership, Arch has grown from a regional coal company with sales volumes of around 20 million tons to the world’s fourth largest coal producer with volumes exceeding 155 million tons in 2011.
