Great British Nuclear announces key leaders to power next phase
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-06)

Great British Nuclear transition update.

Great British Nuclear (GBN) is making the step forward from start-up to a permanent organisation, marking a pivotal moment in its mission to deliver growth from nuclear and help deliver the government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission.

Since its inception, GBN has rapidly established itself as the government’s delivery body for new nuclear, focusing initially on the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology Partner selection process. GBN is currently in the negotiation phase of this process, with four remaining vendors: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Ltd, Rolls Royce SMR Ltd, and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Ltd. Final decisions will be taken this Spring.

Great British Nuclear (GBN) has also bought land for new nuclear development from Hitachi at both Wylfa on Ynys Môn/Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire. GBN is working closely with the local communities at these sites to consider how future new nuclear projects will benefit their communities.

GBN Chair Simon Bowen said:

This is a great step for Great British Nuclear. We’ve benefitted from some incredibly talented people as we set up the organisation and launched the process of selecting the right small modular reactor technology for the UK, no mean feat! Now we’re consolidating and moving to the next phase. The country will benefit hugely from the new nuclear, not only in terms of GDP growth, jobs, skills and accelerating the path to Net Zero, but also in its real potential for export.

Key Leadership Appointments:

Brian Robinson, Chief Technology Officer
- Florian Wagner, Strategy and Performance Director
- Rachel Welch, Chief People Officer
- Nick Smallwood, Programme Development and Assurance Director
- Cory Reynolds, Director of Communications and Government Relations
- Neil Cooper, Chief Financial Officer
Kenny Douglas, the MD of the GBN Development Companies, remains seconded to GBN on a long-term basis.

These appointments bring a wealth of experience and expertise to GBN, ensuring the organisation is well-positioned to achieve its goals. Both Brian Robinson and Florian Wagner have been with GBN since its inception, playing instrumental roles in its early successes.

The permanent appointments of Chair and CEO are also underway to support the long-term stability of GBN.

As GBN continues to grow, it remains committed to building a sustainable and secure energy future for the UK, in line with the government’s growth mission to drive higher productivity, employment and skills development.

For more information, please contact:

Cory Reynolds, Director of Communications and Government Relations xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) m: xx-xxxx-xxxx

Ieuan Williams, Head of Stakeholder and Media Relations xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) m: xx-xxxx-xxxx

About Great British Nuclear (GBN)

Great British Nuclear (GBN) is the government delivery body dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in the UK. As an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), GBN plays a crucial role in ensuring the UK’s energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. GBN focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.