Beacon Hill Resources, the AIM-listed coking coal producer, has appointed a new Managing Director of its coal division, who will then become Group Managing Director following an interim period, leading to the return of Executive Chairman, Justin Lewis, to the role of Non-Executive Director by the year-end.

New MD Rowan Karstel has over 20 years experience in the coal industry having worked for BHP Billiton, Xstrata and Optimum Coal in South Africa and around the world.

In a statement Lewis said: "We are delighted to welcome Rowan Karstel who brings a wealth of coal industry experience to the group. His appointment represents a significant step in the development of Beacon Hill as we look to complete the Phase II expansion and commence the production of coking coal.

"Rowan will take over day to day responsibility for the group's operations, and with the operational management team now solely located in Southern Africa, I will revert to a non-executive role by year end."

The comnpany also admitted David Premraj as a representative of the Consolidated Group of companies, a significant shareholder of the group, and says it intends to finalise the appointment of a Non-Executive Director with experience in the coal industry prior to year end.

The share price edged 1.41% higher to 4.67p by midday.

NR

Related share prices
Beacon Hill Resources (BHR) share price