The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has appointed of David Peattie as its new chief executive officer.

He will be leading the NDA in the decommissioning and clean-up at Sellafield and 16 other legacy sites around the UK.

His new job starts today and he takes over from John Clarke, who held the position for five years.

This appointment was made by the non-executive members of the NDA Board, with the approval of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary of State Greg Clark.

In addition Stephen Henwood stepped down yesterday on completion of his third term of office as NDA Chairman.

He is being replaced by Tom Smith who was previously a Non-Executive Director of the NDA.

Mr Smith said: “David brings with him significant global experience of leadership in the energy, oil and gas industries, and a strong track record in tackling complex commercial and engineering challenges in the UK and internationally.

“I am delighted the NDA has secured a new chief executive officer of such calibre and experience and I am looking forward to working with him in driving forward delivery of the vital mission to clear up the UK’s nuclear legacy.

“I would like to offer warm thanks to retiring chief executive John Clarke and would also like to thank Stephen for his excellent stewardship of the NDA over the last nine years, and wish him well for the future. It has been a pleasure to serve on the board under him. ”

Energy Minister Jesse Norman said:

“The NDA carries out essential work decommissioning and cleaning up the UK’s nuclear legacy, keeping our citizens safe and secure and protecting the environment. David’s considerable experience in roles across the energy sector makes him well-placed to lead the organisation and take this vital work forward.

“I would also like to thank Stephen Henwood and John Clarke for their years of service and wish John well in retirement.”

Mr Peattie said: “It is a privilege to have been asked to take on this important role, which is central to delivering the important mission of decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy.

“The NDA, its subsidiaries and Site Licence Companies, have a highly-skilled and focused workforce, and I look forward to working with them to drive forward progress on clearing our sites for future generations.”

Mr Peattie was formerly the chief executive officer at Fairfield Energy, based in Aberdeen, where he led the successful turnaround of performance of North Sea assets and oversaw the start of the decommissioning project for the Dunlin Alpha Platform.

He began his career at British Petroleum in 1979 as a petroleum engineer and during his 33 years at the company held a number of technical, commercial and senior management positions.

His roles at BP included head of BP Group investor relations, commercial director of BP chemicals, deputy head of global exploration and production, head of BP group planning and finally as head of BP Russia where he was responsible for BP’s interests in the TNK-BP joint venture as well as its businesses in the Russian Arctic and Sakhalin.

He is a Chartered Engineer and Member of Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (Petroleum Engineering).