WANO appoints Tom Mitchell as its new Chairman

The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), the world's leading safety organisation for commercial nuclear power plants, announced today that it has elected Mr Tom Mitchell as the next Chairman of WANO.

This decision was made at the WANO Governing Board meeting held last week in London. Subject to completion of employment formalities, Mr Mitchell will replace current Chairman Jacques Régaldo on 1st March 2019. Jacques Régaldo has served as WANO Chairman for the past six years. Mr Mitchell has gained over 40 years' experience of working in nuclear industry leadership roles, and he currently serves on the Board of Directors at FirstEnergy Corporation.

 

In his previous role as CEO at Ontario Power Generation, Mr Mitchell was responsible for the operation of 10 nuclear units, and ensured they operated at high levels of safety and reliability. Mr Mitchell has also been an influential and active leader in WANO for many years – leading as the Chair of WANO's post Fukushima committee in 2011, which developed recommendations and oversaw the implementation of global improvements in nuclear safety and reliability. He also served as the Deputy Director of the WANO Atlanta Centre, and as Governor on the WANO Governing Board.

Peter Prozesky, Chief Executive Officer at WANO, commented: "We are delighted that Tom Mitchell is taking up this key role, and his experience and expertise will be invaluable in helping us fulfil our mission. Tom will be instrumental in strengthening our collaboration with our members, the wider industry and other key stakeholders to deliver our mission, and ensure that the global nuclear power industry strives towards excellence in its operations. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jacques Régaldo for his valuable insights and direction in his capacity as WANO Chairman over the last six years. He has shown a strong and passionate commitment to WANO and its safety mission, and we look forward to continuing to work with him until the end of his term as WANO Chairman, and beyond."

 

Jacques Régaldo, WANO Chairman, commented: "It has been a pleasure to lead WANO as Chairman for six years. Since I joined WANO, we have implemented 12 major projects to enhance global nuclear safety and reliability. This took a significant amount of time and resources to complete and it is a testimony to the expertise, hard work and dedication of WANO and its members that these projects are successfully completed. Although the margin of nuclear safety has improved overall from the levels before Fukushima, we must continue to drive safety and reliability levels still higher. I wish Mr Mitchell great success and have no doubt he will be a huge asset in driving forward WANO's important safety and reliability mission." 

ENDS-

Notes to Editors

The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) is a not-for-profit international organisation that helps its members maximise the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants worldwide. WANO was established in 1989 by the world’s nuclear power operators to exchange safety knowledge and operating experience amongst organisations operating commercial nuclear power reactors. WANO's members operate some 460 nuclear units in over 30 countries and areas worldwide. WANO works with its membership to assess, benchmark and improve performance through mutual support, exchange of information and emulation of best practices.