Infrastructure major GVK Group today said coal mining industry veteran Darren Yeates has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of GVK Hancock, which is executing multi-billion projects in Australia.
As the Chief Executive, Yeates said his immediate focus will be on "continuing to build on the significant progress achieved to date and on driving a clear path forward to project delivery".
GVK Hancock has undertaken coal mining and related infrastructure projects in Australia's Queensland state.
"Our projects will deliver one of the most significant pieces of regional and economic development Queensland has seen for decades, and I'm really proud to be playing a key role in such a significant suite of projects in my home state," Yeates said.
Prior to GVK, Yeates worked as Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO for Rio Tinto Coal Australia.
He brings over 30 years of experience in coal mining operations, mine infrastructure and resource sector industries, a GVK release said here.
GVK Reddy, Founder-Chairman and Managing Director GVK Power and Infrastructure, said, "Yeates brings with him extensive leadership and experience to our organisation. I am confident Yeates' in-depth operational and project management experience will complement our management team and drive our Galilee Basin projects to operational reality."
Sanjay Reddy, GVK Vice-Chairman, said: "I look forward to working with Yeates to bring these projects through the next chapter with final operational, construction and financing arrangements."
In late 2011, GVK acquired 100 per cent stake in the Kevin's Corner project and a 79 per cent stake in the Alpha Coal and Alpha West Coal projects from Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd for USD 1.26 billion.
