Dr Ros Rivaz appointed as new Chair of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Minister for Business and Industry, Nadhim Zahawi, said:

The UK has unrivalled expertise in nuclear decommissioning, cleaning up the environment, boosting the economy and delivering highly-skilled jobs, so I am delighted by Ros’s appointment as the new Chair of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Ros is ideally suited to provide the NDA with the leadership to strengthen its culture, build its capabilities, and deliver on its mission safely as we work towards eliminating our contribution to climate change by 2050.

Dr Rivaz said:

I am honoured to accept this role. I have been fortunate to work in some of the most innovative companies in the UK and internationally, in sectors such as engineering, manufacturing and chemicals.

I am to use that experience to support the NDA’s work as it deals with some of the world’s most complex challenges. It is an organisation with a clear vision and strong strategy. I relish the chance to take its mission forward.

Tom Smith said:

It has been a huge privilege to be the Chair of the NDA. The NDA’s work is important to the country as it deals with the UK’s civil nuclear legacy. I wish all the staff of the NDA well. I admire their determination, expertise and sense of public service. And, of course, I also wish Ros every success in her new role.

David Peattie, NDA CEO, said:

I’d like to welcome Ros to the NDA. Our work and achievements is a great source of pride for me and it is fantastic to have her with us. I would also like to pay tribute to our outgoing Chair.

I have greatly enjoyed and valued working with Tom Smith. Together we have brought about significant changes to the NDA’s operating model and culture.

Dr Ros Rivaz has a wide experience in executive and non-executive roles in blue chip companies in the UK and internationally. She started her career in ExxonMobil, specialising in supply chain leadership.

She has worked in senior roles for Tate & Lyle, ICI, Diageo and Premier Foods and was Smith & Nephew’s Global Chief Operating Officer from 2011-2014.

Dr Rivaz has also held a number of non-executive roles in industry, including roles at ConvaTec, Rexam and CEVA Logistics AG.

Ros is currently a Non-Executive Director at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), which is part of the Ministry of Defence and at Computacenter plc. She has also recently joined the boards of the chemicals company Victrex plc and the specialised steel company Aperam SA.

Ros also plays important roles in the charity sector and academia. She was non-executive Director of the “Your Life” campaign initiative to increase take up of Maths and Physics amongst 14-16 year olds; Deputy Chair of Southampton University; and is on the board of the community interest company Eton Community CIC.

The NDA is responsible for the management, decommissioning and clean-up of 17 nuclear sites across the country, including Sellafield which is one of the largest and most complex nuclear sites in the world.

The NDA’s functions also include operating nuclear sites, maintaining safety and security, transporting and storing nuclear materials, and managing a wider range of supply chain and research contracts.

Dr Rivaz’s term is 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2023.