National Nuclear Laboratory appoints new CEO

National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) has today announced Julianne Antrobus as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment has been approved by Lord Hunt, Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Julianne will succeed current CEO Paul Howarth on 31 March 2025, working with the executive leadership team to ensure a smooth transition.

Ian Funnell, Chair of NNL, said:

“We are delighted to have appointed Julianne as a worthy successor to Paul Howarth after his distinguished service comes to an end.

“Throughout the appointment process we were looking to recruit an outstanding individual who could rise to the challenge of the growing importance of nuclear. We wanted an exceptional individual who could combine technical competence with experience of the commercial and policy environment, so that we can continue to be focused on delivering for our customers and partners in government and across the nuclear sector.

“We are extremely pleased that, in Julianne, we have found a worthy appointee. Her career in the nuclear sector has spanned nuclear operations, project delivery, customer and stakeholder engagement and business management. We believe that her strategic, leadership and people skills will be invaluable in leading NNL through its next generation of success.”

Julianne is currently Global Head of Nuclear and UK Energy and Utilities lead at PA Consulting. Working alongside technical specialists, she has created and successfully grown a highly effective and innovative nuclear consulting practice supporting clients globally. She began her career as a Graduate Trainee in British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL), the predecessor body to NNL, before working across the nuclear sector in strategic leadership roles with Atkins and Nuvia. In recognition of her success in the sector, she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Nuclear Institute in 2023.

Julianne Antrobus, incoming NNL CEO said:

“Having begun my career at BNFL, I had always hoped to complete the circle by coming home to NNL. It is a great honour and privilege to have been appointed CEO at a time when nuclear’s profile and importance has never been higher.

“Like many of my peers, I joined the sector when it was still wrongly perceived as part of the problem rather than as a key solution to the vital national priorities of secure energy, the environment and global drive towards decarbonisation.

“Over the past 15 years, NNL’s importance in underpinning and enabling the role of nuclear has been critical – successfully fulfilling that role has never been more important than it is today. I know that the Government is looking to NNL to increase its impact, capability and capacity to do so.

“I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to lead a highly experienced technical team and a cadre of professionals of all backgrounds, united in their purpose and vision for the future.”

Paul Howarth announced his intention to retire in April 2024 and by the time of his retirement will have served NNL as CEO for 14 years. His tenure has seen the organisation become increasingly important to the UK’s nuclear sector and clearly define its purpose: Nuclear science to benefit society.

Paul Howarth, outgoing NNL CEO said:

“Leading NNL has been a fantastic privilege, and it is a role like none other. Julianne will be well placed to drive NNL forwards on its next stage of growth, and she will inherit an excellent team that are dedicated in their work and in their commitment to the vision and mission of the organisation.

“NNL’s significance to its stakeholders and customers both in the UK and globally is only set to grow in the coming years, as nuclear plays a greater part in the UK Government’s national priorities. I congratulate Jullianne on her appointment and wish her all the best in her new role”