Australian Coal Association boss Ralph Hillman is retiring end of August 2011. Hillman was appointed as Executive Director of the ACA in August 2007

ACA chairman John Pegler said the ACA Board had accepted Hillman’s decision to step down from the role and acknowledged the enormous contribution he had made to the black coal industry during his four year tenure as the head of the industry body.

“Ralph has provided leadership to the black coal industry through a time of great challenges, including the debate on the Rudd Government’s CPRS and the current carbon tax debate.

“He has been a strong and articulate champion of the industry, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to shaping the industry's collaboration with Federal and State governments in the development of carbon capture and storage and building public support for that technology.

NEW South Wales Minerals Council CEO Nikki Williams has resigned to take the top position at the ACA.

Dr Williams served seven years as the head of the NSW Minerals Council and will leave by October 31 to begin her new role.