Arch Coal, Inc.’s senior vice president of marketing, David N. Warnecke, announced his plans to retire from the corporation in May 2014 after more than 30 years with the company. Warnecke will continue in his current capacity through the end of 2012, at which point he will transition to a new role spearheading Arch’s efforts to expand and strengthen its transportation, logistics and supply chain capabilities – particularly in the export arena.

"Dave has made an invaluable contribution to Arch’s growth and success over the years," said John W. Eaves, Arch’s president and CEO. "I am particularly grateful that he has agreed to remain with Arch until mid-2014 to assist with transitional issues and to lead our ongoing supply chain initiative, which I view as an essential component in Arch’s long-term growth plans. Dave is a great asset to the corporation and a valued member of the Arch team, and I look forward to working closely with him in this important new capacity."

Warnecke has led Arch’s marketing and trading function and served as a member of the corporation’s senior officer team since 2005. In his new role, he will continue to report to Paul A. Lang, Arch’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.

"With his decades of experience and great depth of knowledge in transportation and logistics, Dave is uniquely equipped to lead our ongoing supply chain initiative," said Lang. "We greatly appreciate his dedication to Arch and to this important project, as well as his strong commitment to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition in the marketing function."

During his tenure with the company, Warnecke has also served as president of Arch Coal Sales; president of Arch Energy Resources; corporate vice president of marketing and trading; executive vice president of sales and trading for Arch Coal Sales; president of Arch Transportation; mine manager at Arch’s former Pikeville, Ky., operation; and controller at Arch of Alabama. Early in his career, he served as manager of crude oil trading for Clark Oil.

Through the transition period, Jennifer Johnson, senior vice president of domestic thermal sales for Arch Coal Sales, and Matt Ferguson, senior vice president of metallurgical and international thermal sales for Arch Coal Sales, will report directly to Lang.