8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  September 8, 2009

Walter Energy, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	001-13711	13-3429953
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation	Commission File No.	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
or organization)

4211 W. Boy Scout Boulevard

Tampa, Florida 33607

(813) 871-4811

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive
offices)

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed from Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements with Certain Officers

On September 9, 2009, Walter Energy, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that its Board of Directors named Victor P. Patrick, Chief Executive Officer and George R. Richmond, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, effective September 8, 2009.

In addition to his position as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Patrick, 51, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and serves as Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel. Mr. Patrick joined the Company in 2002, first serving as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. He joined the Board of Directors in December 2006 and was named Chief Financial Officer in February 2008.

The parties expect to finalize the terms of new compensation arrangements shortly.

Neither Mr. Patrick nor any member of his immediate family has or has had any material interest in any transaction or proposed transaction with the Company.  Mr. Patrick has no family relationship with any director or executive officer of the Company.  He will continue as an officer of the Company until the earlier of his termination of employment or the election of his successor by the Board of Directors.  His term as a director of the Company will continue until the next annual meeting of the shareholders, subject to reelection to subsequent terms by the shareholders.

Mr. Richmond, 59, in addition to his position as President and Chief Operating Officer, also serves on the Company’s Board of Directors.  Mr. Richmond joined the Company in 1978and held various positions at Jim Walter Resources prior to becoming President and Chief Operating Officer of Jim Walter Resources in 1997. Mr. Richmond was named Chief Executive Officer of Jim Walter Resources in February 2006 and joined the Board of Directors in December 2006.

The parties expect to finalize the terms of new compensation arrangements shortly.

Neither Mr. Richmond nor any member of his immediate family has or has had any material interest in any transaction or proposed transaction with the Company.  Mr. Richmond has no family relationship with any director or executive officer of the Company.  He will continue as an officer of the Company until the earlier of his termination of employment or the election of his successor by the Board of Directors.  His term as a director of the Company will continue until the next annual meeting of the shareholders, subject to reelection to subsequent terms by the shareholders.

Item 7.01           Regulation FD Disclosure

On September 9, 2009, the Company issued a press release announcing the relocation of its corporate headquarters to the Birmingham, Alabama area. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

The information contained in Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1 in Item 9.01 shall not be deemed to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in any such filings.

2

Item 9.01               Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)	Exhibits
99.1	Press Release dated September 9, 2009

3

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

		WALTER ENERGY, INC.
Date: September 14, 2009	By:	/s/ Catherine C. Bona
		Catherine C. Bona, Vice President
		Assistant General Counsel and Secretary

4

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Walter Energy, Inc. P.O. Box 20608 Tampa, Florida 33622-0608 www.walterenergy.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Release

Sept. 9, 2009

Investor Contact: Mark H. Tubb

Vice President - Investor Relations

813.871.4027

mtubb@walterenergy.com

Media Contact: Michael A. Monahan

Director - - Corporate Communications

813.871.4132

mmonahan@walterenergy.com

Board of Directors Appoints Victor Patrick Chief Executive Officer of Walter Energy

George Richmond Named President and Chief Operating Officer

Company to Relocate Headquarters to Alabama

TAMPA, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sep. 9, 2009— Walter Energy (NYSE:WLT), a leading U.S. producer and exporter of premium coking coal for the global steel industry, announced today that its Board of Directors has named Victor P. Patrick Chief Executive Officer. Patrick most recently served as Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel. George R. Richmond has been named President and Chief Operating Officer for Walter Energy and will continue to lead the Company’s operating units. Richmond had previously served as CEO of the Company’s Jim Walter Resources subsidiary.

“Vic has done an outstanding job leading Walter Energy through its transformation process and has been instrumental in the development of the Company’s strategy going forward,” said Walter Energy Chairman Michael T. Tokarz, who will continue in his role as non-executive chairman of the Company. “George has also played a vital role in developing and executing the Company’s growth strategy, including our recent metallurgical coal expansion initiatives. I’m delighted that Vic and George will continue leading Walter Energy’s efforts to grow and maximize value for our shareholders,” Tokarz said.

Patrick has been with the Company since 2002, first serving as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. He joined the board of directors in December 2006 and was named Chief Financial Officer in February 2008. Prior to joining Walter Industries, Patrick served as Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of Honeywell International, Inc.

Richmond joined the Company in 1978 and held various positions at Jim Walter Resources prior to becoming President and Chief Operating Officer of Jim Walter Resources in 1997. Richmond was named Chief Executive Officer of Jim Walter Resources in February 2006 and has also been a director of the Company since December 2006.

The Company has initiated a search for a chief financial officer. Patrick will continue to act as CFO until this position is filled.

The Company also announced that it expects to relocate its corporate headquarters to the Birmingham, Ala. area. Management is currently evaluating site locations and is expected to open the new office in the first half of 2010.

“I’m looking forward to leading the Company as we continue executing our strategy and as we strive to continue generating value for our shareholders,” said Walter Energy Chief Executive Officer Victor P. Patrick. “I’m also delighted at the prospects of having the full team in one location, facilitating our ability to work even more effectively together,” Patrick added.

About Walter Energy

Walter Energy is a leading U.S. producer and exporter of premium metallurgical coal for the global steel industry and also produces steam coal and industrial coal, metallurgical coke and coal bed methane gas. The Company has revenues of approximately $1.2 billion and employs approximately 2,100 people. For more information about Walter Energy, please visit the Company Web site at www.walterenergy.com.

2