Agneta Rising selected for WNA
06 September 2012
Agneta Rising will take over as director general of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) from 1 January 2013, upon the retirement of current head John Ritch.
The WNA is the international trade organization that promotes nuclear energy and supports the companies that make up the global nuclear industry. It organises industry expert working groups, international conferences and communicates with the public on nuclear issues through services including World Nuclear News.
Rising's appointment will continue a long affiliation with the WNA - she was chairman of the Uranium Insitute in 2001 at which time it was transformed into the WNA. In that period Rising cooperated with Ritch to achieve the increase in scope. Current WNA chairman Tim Gitzel of Cameco said the two would cooperate again to ensure a seamless transition for the organisation and its Secretariat.
Gitzel said that Rising's "wealth of experience will ensure that WNA continues to grow in its vital role."
Rising previously held the position of vice president environment at Swedish utility Vattenfall. During her nuclear career she co-founded Women in Nuclear (WIN) and served as its president; she is also a former president of both the European Nuclear Society and the Swedish Nuclear Society.
Over the past two decades, Agneta Rising has been appointed by the Swedish government, the EU Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency to several significant expert and advisory positions relevant to the future development of nuclear power. Among these, Rising served for four years on the IAEA’s International Nuclear Safety Group.
Ritch said: "I cannot think of anyone who better combines industry experience, skill in collegial leadership, and a winning public persona. She can be expected to build on WNA's past progress."
Researched and written
by World Nuclear News