Nigel Cann appointed CEO of Sizewell C as Julia Pyke prepares to step down

Nigel, who has jointly led the company alongside Julia Pyke since 2023, takes on the role following the project’s Final Investment Decision and Financial Close – a milestone that marks the transition from development to delivery.

Julia Pyke, who joined Sizewell C in 2017, has decided to step down at the end of the year, having built the company, with a world-leading financing model that incentivises cost efficiency, paving the way for the main construction. The Company is independent and with capability to deliver, own, and operate nuclear. Under Julia’s leadership, Sizewell C has built strong partnerships with government, investors, and lenders, achieved investment grade rating – a world first for a nuclear new build company – and, with approaching 2,000 people now on site, created an ambitious programme for skills and local employment in Suffolk.

Sizewell C’s landscape and biodiversity plan, developed under her direction, is expected to achieve SSSI-level quality and has been cited by Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, as evidence that major infrastructure and environmental enhancement can succeed together.

With more than 40 years’ experience in nuclear power, Nigel Cann is one of the world’s most experienced leaders in the design, construction, and operation of nuclear plants. He has held plant manager positions at Dungeness B and Sizewell B and was Station Director at Hinkley Point B before becoming Hinkley Point C’s Delivery Director.

Julia Pyke said:

“It has 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.

“My intention has always been to hand over the main construction of Sizewell C and, as the construction phase begins, I’m delighted to see my colleague of the last three years take on that crucial role. 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.”

Nigel Cann, Chief Executive Officer of Sizewell C, said:

“Julia’s contribution to Sizewell C and to the UK’s new nuclear programme has been transformational, and 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.

“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.”

John Holland-Kaye, Chair of Sizewell C, 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.

“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.

“On behalf of the Board and everyone at Sizewell C, I want to thank Julia for her outstanding contribution and wish Nigel every success in his new role.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

“I would like to thank Julia Pyke for her exceptional leadership and contribution in growing the company and securing vital backing from private investors and commercial banks. 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.”

Simone Rossi, CEO EDF Energy, said:

“EDF is proud to be a shareholder in the Sizewell C project, and we are delighted that Nigel Cann will bring his deep expertise and the hard-earned EPR construction experience from Hinkley Point C to his new role as CEO. His 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.”

Julia will step down as Joint Managing Director and from the Board on 31 December 2025, with Nigel’s appointment as CEO effective from 1 January 2026. Julia will continue to advise Sizewell C to ensure a smooth transition.