(EnergyAsia, May 13 2011, Friday) — Arch Coal Inc, one of the biggest coal producers in the US, said it has established a new subsidiary, Arch Coal Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd, with Renato Paladino as president of the Singapore-based operations.

Mr Paladino, who will be responsible for Asia-Pacific regional business development, marketing and sales of thermal and metallurgical products, and regional supply chain expansion for the company, will report to Arch’s president and chief operating officer, John W. Eaves.

A Brazilian, Paladino last served as chief marketing officer of Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd in Brisbane in Australia where he had ultimate responsibility for marketing coal and iron ore.

Before that, he worked for Brazilian minerals company Vale between 1985 and 2009, serving most recently as global managing director of coal. During his 24-year tenure with Vale, he held various business positions in Brisbane, Shanghai, Brussels, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

Mr Eaves said: “Renato brings a proven track record and an advantageous blend of marketing, technical and business development skills to Arch’s global sales efforts. We look forward to Renato’s leadership as we expand our participation in the high-growth Asia-Pacific market.”

Steven F. Leer, Arch’s chairman and CEO, said:

“Countries in the Asia-Pacific region are leading a coal market supercycle. With an expanded presence in the Asia-Pacific region, Arch Coal expects to extend its reach and seize new market opportunities as developing countries demand more and more energy.”
 
St Louis-based Arch Coal, one of the world’s largest and most efficient coal producers, sold more than 160 million tons of the product in 2010.