WANO appoints Dr Naoki Chigusa as its new Chief Executive Officer
Press Release
18 October 2022
WANO’s Governing Board has appointed Dr Naoki Chigusa, the current Director of the WANO Tokyo Centre, as Chief Executive Officer. Dr Chigusa will formally succeed current WANO CEO, Ingemar Engkvist, on 1 January 2023, after Mr Engkvist completes three successful years in the post.
Dr Chigusa stated: “I am delighted to be appointed as WANO’s new CEO. I look forward to working closely with WANO members, our staff at WANO London office and the regional centres, and the governing board to ensure WANO continues to support the industry effectively in the coming years.
“Mr Engkvist has successfully led the restructuring of the WANO organisation to support our members in improving their performance to help them deliver their 2030 Action for Excellence goals. I will begin this position at an important moment in WANO’s history.”
Tom Mitchell, Chairman of WANO, said: “I am confident that with his experience both within WANO and the wider nuclear industry, Dr Chigusa will lead the organisation in continuing to deliver the highest possible level of service to its members. He joins during a significant and exciting phase, as WANO builds the capabilities of its office in Shanghai, and continues the crucial work of delivering WANO’s new long-term strategy. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Mr Engkvist all the very best for his retirement and thank him for his dedicated service to WANO and the nuclear industry throughout his career.”
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About – Dr Naoki Chigusa
Dr Naoki Chigusa joined the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Tokyo Centre in July 2014 as Director General. As leader of Tokyo Centre, he has been responsible for building and maintaining WANO’s ability to maximise safety and reliability of commercial nuclear power plants in the Asian region. He also serves on WANO’s Executive Leadership Team, providing leadership and support for improving nuclear safety and performance worldwide.
Dr Chigusa has gained 40 years’ experience in the nuclear industry, having started his career in 1982 at the Kansai EPC. He has worked in senior positions at the Ohi and Mihama nuclear power plants, and in the Kansai corporate office and he held the position of Director Nuclear Technology and Executive Officer. He also served as an Expert Member on the Nuclear Safety Commission of Japan. He is a Professor of the Graduate School of Engineering at Osaka University.
Dr Chigusa has a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Tokyo. He earned a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, both from Kyoto University.