The Lord McNicol of West Kilbride announced as Chair of the NIA
The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) has announced that Lord Iain McNicol of West Kilbride has become the organisation’s new chair, with immediate effect.
Lord McNicol brings extensive experience to the role, having held several senior political roles including General Secretary of the Labour Party from 2011 – 2018 and National Political Officer of the GMB Union. He was made a Labour life peer in 2018.
He is already well known to the civil nuclear industry having been an active member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy and a strong advocate for nuclear in the House of Lords.
As Chair of the NIA, Lord McNicol will provide strong guidance at a senior level and will play an important role in chairing a new Board and other revised governance arrangements for the sector, while helping to set the vision and priorities for the NIA at what is a pivotal time for civil nuclear in the UK and around the world.
The appointment was made following an extensive and transparent process which attracted many high profile and respected potential candidates. Lord McNicol takes over from Dr Tim Stone, who stands down on completion of his second three-year term as Chair of the NIA.
Lord McNicol, incoming NIA Chair said:
“I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of the Nuclear Industry Association. Growing up in West Kilbride, I witnessed firsthand the positive impact of Hunterston Nuclear Power Station on our community. My father worked there for 17 years, and I saw how it provided not just energy, but also jobs and economic stability.
“As we face the challenges of climate change and energy security, I believe nuclear power has a crucial role to play in our sustainable future. I look forward to championing this vital industry.”
Tom Greatrex, NIA Chief Executive, said:
“I am delighted that Lord McNicol has agreed to take on the mantle as Chair of the NIA.
“This role requires someone who is a true champion of the nuclear industry at what is a very important period for the sector, and Lord McNicol brings invaluable political and leadership experience.
“I would like to thank outgoing Chair, Dr Tim Stone, for his tireless work and support over the last six years.”
Dr Tim Stone, outgoing NIA Chair, said:
“After six great years as Chair of the Nuclear Industry Association I will be succeeded by Lord McNicol who has been a strong and energetic supporter of the industry for many years.
“A special thank you goes to Tom Greatrex and the whole team at the NIA for all their enthusiasm, dedication and support to me. The NIA now has more members than at any time in its history and is at the heart of driving the industry on all fronts – from new build of GW-scale, SMRs, AMRs and fusion reactors, through the deeply impressive continuing operations of the current fleet, into the fuel, enrichment and decommissioning sectors.
“Lord McNicol will have a brilliant team to work with and to help them grow to ever greater things with increasing export potential around the world with a skill base in the UK of which many countries are already very envious.”
ENDS
About the NIA
As the trade association for the civil nuclear industry in the UK, the Nuclear Industry Association represents 300 companies across the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
Links
Visit our website: https://www.niauk.org/
Follow the NIA on X @NIAUK and LinkedIn
For further information, please contact:
Iolo James, Head of Communications
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