The finance chief at Cliffs Natural Resources is being put in charge of global mining operations.

The appointment of Laurie Brlas was one of a series of management changes announced Thursday by the Cleveland company. It’s part the company’s shift focus to growth projects and away from mergers and acquisitions.

Brlas will replace Duncan Price who is retiring effective Oct. 1. She also has been named an executive vice president.

Terrance Paradie was appointed to replace Brlas as CFO. The senior vice president previously has been an assistant general manager for Cliffs’ Michigan operations, corporate controller and chief accounting officer.

P. Kelly Tompkins was named an executive vice president for legal, government affairs and sustainability. He also is chief legal officer and president of Cliffs’ China operations.

Steven Raguz was appointed senior vice president overseeing corporate strategy and communications. Previously, he was a senior vice president for corporate strategy and treasurer. Matthew Bittner, assistant treasurer, will replace Raguz as treasurer.

James Michaud was named a senior vice president and chief human resources officer.

Shares of Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. rose 8 cents to $40.70 in afternoon trading. The price has ranged between $32.25 and $80.15 in the past 52 weeks.