AECOM has appointed Chris Auener as nuclear sector lead, joining the firm’s energy division across its Europe and India region.

Auener has more than 20 years’ experience in the nuclear industry and will be responsible for leading AECOM’s growth strategy in this area

Joining from Westinghouse Electric Company, where he held the position of global markets executive, he has overseen strategy and key accounts across the full nuclear power lifecycle. This includes new build projects, research and development, fuel fabrication and supporting existing nuclear power facilities already in operation.

He joins AECOM at a pivotal time, following the announcement that the business will provide design and technical services to help deliver the first stage of the pioneering £200m STEP fusion energy programme. Led by UK Fusion Energy, the programme aims to deliver a commercially viable fusion power plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire by 2040.

Prior to his role at Westinghouse, Auener spent 15 years in client facing key account and sales director roles in nuclear power at Jacobs and its predecessor companies.

Chris Auener, director and nuclear sector lead, Europe and India, AECOM, said: “I am proud to be joining AECOM at such an important time for the nuclear sector, as it re-emerges as a cornerstone of secure, resilient, low-carbon energy systems.”