Alpha Natural Resources president Paul Vining resigning to take CEO role at another firm

Alpha Natural Resources Inc. says president Paul Vining is resigning to become CEO of another coal-related company.

The Bristol, Virginia-based coal producer said Tuesday that Vining is leaving the company effective Jan. 31.

He'll become CEO of an affiliate of Cline Group that will be focused on acquiring and operating coal mines outside the U.S.

Alpha says chief commercial officer Brian Sullivan and mining operations executive Keith Hainer will take on expanded responsibilities after Vining leaves. They'll report directly to CEO Kevin Crutchfield.

The company operates 60 affiliated coal mines throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Wyoming.