Former Shadow Energy Minister Tom Greatrex has been appointed as the new CEO of the nuclear trade body.
He will take up the position at the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) from 1st February, succeeding Keith Parker who has held the position for more than a decade.
Mr Greatrex was the Opposition’s lead spokesman for nuclear energy in the last Parliament as well as a member of the Energy Select Committee.
The former Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West said: “Nuclear power is an integral part of a secure low carbon energy mix and as the COP21 negotiations in Paris demonstrated, will have a key part to play in reducing global carbon emissions in the future.
“Providing thousands of high quality, skilled jobs in all parts of the country and with internationally recognised industrial and academic expertise, there are significant opportunities for our civil nuclear industry in the UK and around the world. I am looking forward to working with the NIA board, staff, members and stakeholders to help ensure these opportunities are realised.”
According to the NIA, the nuclear industry generates a fifth of all electricity used in the UK and directly employs around 64,000 people.
The trade body represents more than 260 companies involved in the nuclear industry.
Last week DECC gave the go-ahead for a new connection for the Hinkley C nuclear power station.
