One of two nuclear chiefs at Sizewell C is stepping down and the other stepping up as the project enters its full construction phase.
Nigel Cann and Julia Pyke - joint managing directors at the new nuclear plant - will part ways on January 1 as the former becomes chief executive of the project, which now employs nearly 2,000 people on site.
Julia Pike, meanwhile, will step down at the end of the year.
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The pair has run the company jointly since 2023 but after achieving two major milestones for the £38bn plant this year - securing funding via a Final Investment Decision and Financial Close - the scheme has entered the next phase.
Ms Pyke joined Sizewell C in 2017 building partnerships with government, investors, and lenders - and directing its landscape and biodiversity plan which is expected to achieve a top rating.
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Mr Cann has more than 40 years' experience in nuclear power and has worked as plant manager at Dungeness B and Sizewell B.
He was station director at Hinkley Point B in Somerset before becoming new nuclear build Hinkley Point C’s delivery director.
Ms Pyke said it had always been her intention to hand over the main construction of Sizewell C.
"My job has been to get the project funded, approved, and ready for main construction, and Nigel is the very best person to deliver it; his experience in nuclear construction and operation is unrivalled, and he will lead the next phase brilliantly," she said.
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It had been "an enormous privilege" to have taken Sizewell C from a bold vision to become an independent, financed company building 7% of the UK’s electricity under majority British ownership.
"Most of all, I’m proud of demonstrating that nuclear new build is financeable, and of the legacy we are creating in Suffolk and beyond.
“Sizewell C will bring thousands of high-quality jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities to local people and businesses, including those who have previously been excluded from work.
"As a result, Sizewell C will play a vital role in delivering clean, secure, home-grown power for generations to come."
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Mr Cann praised her contribution as "transformational".
" I feel privileged to have been part of the journey. I share her passion for creating positive social value impact from big infrastructure. We plan to continue to work together to deliver on this vision," he said.
“The need for new nuclear energy is imperative to support energy security for the UK.
"My ambition for Sizewell C is to lead the way on nuclear by leaving a lasting legacy of clean energy, homegrown skills, and national pride.
"We will achieve this by fostering a reputation for strong, collaborative partnership, whether with local communities in Suffolk or with our supply chain partners across the country.
“I am confident that Sizewell C will serve as a beacon of innovation and inspiration for the nuclear industry while creating jobs, developing expertise, and delivering social value that will benefit the nation for decades."
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The announcement was met with surprise at Suffolk County Council.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet member for nationally-significant infrastructure projects, said: “Despite the very mixed views about the scheme locally and often strong local opposition, Julia’s commitment to doing right by local communities, was one of the most positive assets to the Sizewell C project.
“The balance that had been struck between preparing the project for construction, and handling communities and businesses with sensitivity cannot have been easy, but Julia managed it well. She took time to listen to concerns, respond and put things right where possible."
He called on Sizewell C to maintain her legacy and not to row back on positive relationship and goodwill that have been built up.
“Julia was a visible and public face for the scheme, always willing to attend community forums and events. It’s important that the new CEO is equally visible.
“Our communities continue to face waves of impacts from various infrastructure projects around the Suffolk coast – the council will continue to play its part by holding projects like Sizewell C to account.”
Sizewell C chairman John Holland-Kaye said: “Nigel brings unique experience of operating and building nuclear power stations. There is no-one better qualified to deliver this important British infrastructure for a new nuclear era safely and efficiently."
He thanked Ms Pyke for her "outstanding" contribution.
“Julia’s vision and energy have been instrumental in bringing Sizewell C to this point. She has shaped the company, driven the world leading financing model in new nuclear build by forging trusted partnerships with government, investors, and the Suffolk community."
Energy secretary Ed Miliband said she had shown "exceptional leadership".
"Julia has been and is an outstanding advocate for the project - it has been a pleasure to work alongside her on this journey and I wish her every success in her next chapter.
“I look forward to working with Nigel Cann as Sizewell C's CEO as the project enters the next phase - following our landmark, multi-billion-pound deal to build Britain's next large-scale nuclear power plant and help deliver a new golden age of nuclear."
EDF Energy chief executive Simone Rossi said Mr Cann's leadership will be" invaluable" as Sizewell C moves into its next phase.
“We are also immensely grateful for the legacy Julia Pyke has created for the UK nuclear industry.
"Her energy, intelligence and determination have shaped the project, demonstrating that nuclear is investible and strengthened the future of the sector as a whole”.
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