Compass Minerals, Overland Park, Kan., said on April 23 that Kevin S. Crutchfield will become the company’s president and CEO and serve as a member of its board of directors, effective May 7, 2019. He joins Compass Minerals with more than 30 years of mining experience, most recently as CEO of Contura Energy Inc., a publicly-traded coal producer.
Former Compass Minerals President and CEO Fran Malecha left the company in November (GM Nov. 21, 2018)
“After a comprehensive search, our board is delighted to welcome Kevin to Compass Minerals, and believes his proven track record as a CEO and his extensive mining experience will be critical both operationally and strategically as the company moves forward,” said Chairman and interim CEO Dick Grant. “We look forward to working with Kevin to create value for our shareholders.”
Crutchfield has served as CEO and member of the board of Contura Energy since the company’s inception in 2016. Previously, he served as chairman (2012-2016) and CEO (2009-2016) of Alpha Natural Resources Inc., a coal producer. From 2003 to 2009, he held roles of increasing responsibility at Alpha.
Prior to Alpha, he spent over 15 years working at natural gas, coal, and gas producers. He currently serves on the board of directors of Contura, as well as Coeur Mining Inc., a publicly traded precious metals producer from which he is stepping down on May 14, 2019.
He holds a B.S. in Mining and Minerals Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He also completed the Executive Program at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
Effective May 7, and as previously disclosed, Grant will revert to his role as non-executive chairman of the board. With Crutchfield’s appointment, the board will now be comprised of 10 members.