Final day for Pike River CEO

This media release is issued by Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, lawyers for Peter Whittall. Tomorrow is Mr Whittall’s final day as the CEO of Pike River Coal Limited (now in receivership).

Mr Whittall was promoted to the position of CEO in October 2010, just weeks before the tragic explosions at Pike’s West Coast coalmine. His appointment followed the resignation of Gordon Ward, who had been at the helm of the Pike coal mine project since the 1990s.

Mr Whittall became the public face of Pike following the November 2010 explosions. Over the past year, Mr Whittall has continued to seek to do his best for the company and his staff as permitted in extremely difficult circumstances.

Having chosen not to take voluntary redundancy and leave the company or this country for other opportunities, Mr Whittall’s loyalty to Pike and commitment to trying to determine what caused the tragic explosion on 19 November 2010 has been unwavering.

The lives of many people changed forever at 3.44 pm on 19 November 2010, including Mr Whittall’s. Coal miners are renowned for their resolve and toughness, yet it is with deep sadness that Mr Whittall – who has been a coal miner for over 30 years – leaves Pike tomorrow. Mr Whittall intends to remain in New Zealand to continue with the current inquiries.

Any questions should be directed to Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, via Stacey Shortall, at the contact details below.