Search is over for NDA head
After a year-long search for a new chief executive officer, the UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has appointed former BP executive Tony Fountain.
After a year-long search for a new chief executive officer (CEO), the UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has appointed former BP executive Tony Fountain.
Fountain, who was chief operating officer (COO) of BP's Fuel Value Chains business, will assume the position of NDA CEO in October and oversee a program of nuclear clean-up with an annual budget of around £2.8 billion ($4.5 billion).
He commented, "The NDA is undertaking a critical role on behalf of the UK and I feel privileged to be asked to lead the organisation and very excited about the opportunity." He added, "The NDA has much to be proud about in its achievements so far, but all will agree there is much still to be done. I look forward to building on the important relationships with our key stakeholders who have such an important role in our future success."
Stephen Henwood, NDA chair, said, "The board is delighted to have found someone of Tony's calibre and experience to lead the organisation into the next phase of its journey. Our task moving forward is to focus on delivery and performance in what will clearly be a very challenging environment. Tony's experience and leadership will be crucial to our future success."
The NDA announced in June 2008 that Ian Roxburgh was stepping down as CEO at the end of last July. He had held the position since September 2004. At the time of Roxburgh's resignation, the NDA said that it would immediately start the process of recruiting his successor. However, Richard Waite, NDA's divisional director of strategy and technology, became acting CEO in August 2008 and held the role until now.
Henwood added, "The board is extremely grateful to Richard Waite who, as acting chief executive, has led the NDA team that has delivered strong results for the NDA over the last 12 months - including the successful conclusion of the Sellafield PBO competition and the sale of land around some of our sites."
The NDA - established in 2005 - was set up and funded under the 2004 Energy Act. It is charged with cleaning up the UK's legacy of nuclear wastes on 20 sites including 39 reactors, five fuel reprocessing plants as well as other fuel cycle and research facilities. About half its budget comes from government grant, with the rest also from government roughly in line with income from commercial activities at NDA facilities.
