Westmoreland Coal Company announced that Keith E. Alessi, 61, Chief Executive Officer, has announced his intent to retire effective December 31, 2015. Mr. Alessi will remain an employee of the company as CEO Emeritus. He will be responsible for providing strategic support to both the Board of Directors and management, as well as maintaining key relationships and evaluating business development opportunities.

The Board of Directors has named Kevin A. Paprzycki, the company's Chief Financial Officer, as Chief Executive Officer effective as of January 1, 2016. It is intended that Mr. Paprzycki will also be elected to serve on the Board of Directors concurrent with the transition. John Schadan has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer to oversee global operations for the company.

Jason Veenstra, who also joined Westmoreland in April 2014 as part of the Canadian acquisition, has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Both promotions will be effective as of January 1, 2016. Schadan joined Westmoreland in April 2014 as Senior Vice President, Canada Operations, was promoted to Executive Vice President in August 2014 and President – Canada in March 2015.

His career has encompassed both the western Canadian coal business as well as engineering and construction for a major international firm.