James Varley

Group Managing Editor, Nuclear Engineering International

Biography

James Varley is Group Managing Editor, Global Trade Media. He is responsible for a group of international publications addressing power generation technology and transmission & distribution. These include Nuclear Engineering International (with which he has been associated for nearly 30 years), Modern Power Systems, and International Water Power and Dam Construction. His first degree was in physics (University of Sussex), followed by an MSc and postgraduate research (University of Manchester). He spent several years in the field of energy analysis before becoming involved in technical and trade publishing, working initially at IPC Science and Technology Press and then Reed Business Information, on power related publications and events. In 1996 he joined Wilmington Media, now Global Trade Media.

Alan Raymant

Chief Operating Officer, Horizon Nuclear Power

Biography

Alan Raymant is the Chief Operating Office for the nuclear joint venture between E.ON and RWE.  He took up his position in August of this year.  Alan has over 20 years experience in the Electricity Industry and has held a number of senior management posts in generation, distribution and engineering development and construction.  He joined the joint venture from Central Networks where he was Director of Operations and Asset Management.  Prior to joining Central Networks in 2003, he was Head of E.ON UK’s Renewables business and led the development of a number of renewable generation projects.   Alan is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of both the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. 

Paul Rorive

Group Senior Vice President, Nuclear, GDF Suez

Biography

Paul Rorive, mechanical and electrical civil engineer, earned a diploma from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, in 1975. In 1978, he was hired by Intercom, which later became Electrabel. After working several years at conventional thermal power plants, he joined the Tihange nuclear power plant in 1983, at first for the start-up of Tihange 3, then as head of maintenance services at Tihange 1. From July 1993 to May 1997, he was the director of the Unit 1 of the Tihange power plant. From June 1997 to June 2002, he was the director of the Tihange nuclear site. From July 2002 to March 2006, he was chief executive officer of Tractebel Engineering.  Since 1 April 2006, he is Senior Vice-President of Nuclear Activities for the GDF SUEZ Group.

Paul Spence

Director of Strategy and Regulation, EDF Energy

Biography

Paul Spence is Director of Strategy and Regulation for EDF Energy. Before the acquisition by EDF he was Head of Strategy and Business Development for British Energy. He joined the company in 2003, and played a key role in crafting the company's restructuring, re-listing and ongoing strategy. He led British Energy’s team working on new nuclear development and also oversaw evaluation of plant life extensions and the contributions that British Energy made to UK Energy Policy consultations including those relating to replacement nuclear generation. His responsibilities also included British Energy Renewables.

Before joining British Energy, he spent 17 years with Accenture. He was partner responsible for Accenture's Energy Strategy and Resources Human Performance practices based in the UK, advising clients in the global oil, gas and utility industries on strategy and large scale change. Originally trained as an engineer, he begun his career with Ford and Davy McKee (London).

He has an MBA from London Business School and a BSc from University of Bristol. He is married with 2 sons and is based in London.

Alan Raymant

Chief Operating Officer, Horizon Nuclear Power

Biography

Alan Raymant is the Chief Operating Office for the nuclear joint venture between E.ON and RWE.  He took up his position in August of this year.  Alan has over 20 years experience in the Electricity Industry and has held a number of senior management posts in generation, distribution and engineering development and construction.  He joined the joint venture from Central Networks where he was Director of Operations and Asset Management.  Prior to joining Central Networks in 2003, he was Head of E.ON UK’s Renewables business and led the development of a number of renewable generation projects.   Alan is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of both the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. 

Paul Rorive

Group Senior Vice President, Nuclear, GDF Suez

Biography

Paul Rorive, mechanical and electrical civil engineer, earned a diploma from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, in 1975. In 1978, he was hired by Intercom, which later became Electrabel. After working several years at conventional thermal power plants, he joined the Tihange nuclear power plant in 1983, at first for the start-up of Tihange 3, then as head of maintenance services at Tihange 1. From July 1993 to May 1997, he was the director of the Unit 1 of the Tihange power plant. From June 1997 to June 2002, he was the director of the Tihange nuclear site. From July 2002 to March 2006, he was chief executive officer of Tractebel Engineering.  Since 1 April 2006, he is Senior Vice-President of Nuclear Activities for the GDF SUEZ Group.

Paul Spence

Director of Strategy and Regulation, EDF Energy

Biography

Paul Spence is Director of Strategy and Regulation for EDF Energy. Before the acquisition by EDF he was Head of Strategy and Business Development for British Energy. He joined the company in 2003, and played a key role in crafting the company's restructuring, re-listing and ongoing strategy. He led British Energy’s team working on new nuclear development and also oversaw evaluation of plant life extensions and the contributions that British Energy made to UK Energy Policy consultations including those relating to replacement nuclear generation. His responsibilities also included British Energy Renewables.

Before joining British Energy, he spent 17 years with Accenture. He was partner responsible for Accenture's Energy Strategy and Resources Human Performance practices based in the UK, advising clients in the global oil, gas and utility industries on strategy and large scale change. Originally trained as an engineer, he begun his career with Ford and Davy McKee (London).

He has an MBA from London Business School and a BSc from University of Bristol. He is married with 2 sons and is based in London.

Sir Michael Pitt

Chairman, Infrastructure Planning Commission

Biography

Mike graduated from University College London with a first class honours degree in Engineering. During the first half of his career he was involved in the planning, design and construction of transport and other infrastructure in this country and abroad, working for the private and public sectors. He has held senior posts in a variety of local authorities, including Director of Property and Director of Technical Services at Humberside. From 1990 to 2005 he was Chief Executive of Cheshire and Kent County Councils.

More recently, he has worked on a wide range of consultancy assignments, including a year long appointment as independent Chair of the Government’s review of the 2007 floods. He has been Chair of a number of other organisations including NHS South West, the GMC’s National Revalidation Programme Board, two companies and a charity.

Julia Pyke

Partner, Herbert Smith

Biography

Julia specialises in the nuclear, transport and defence sectors. She has been involved in some of the most high-profile nuclear deals across the globe, most recently advising EDF on its joint venture for nuclear new build with Centrica and advising on their new build plans.

Julia advised the DTI (now DECC) on the establishment of the NDA including on its contract structure, and has subsequently advised on a wide range of issues including on the competition to manage the LLWR.

Julia spent a year on secondment to the NDA and has also spent time on secondment to EDF's new nuclear project.

Kevin Allars

Director for Nuclear New Build Generic Design Assessment, Nuclear Installations Inspectorate

Biography

For 11 years he worked in the nuclear power industry, before, in 1989, joining HSE’s Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, working in assessment, safety research, site inspection and policy functions.

In 2000 Kevin was promoted to Senior Civil Service, responsible for developing policy and legislative reform on nuclear and major-hazard sites. He also coordinated HSE’s input to the Government’s response to the 11.9.01 terrorist event.

From 2003 Kevin headed up HSE’s Chemical Industries Division, responsible for inspection, assessment and enforcement of all on-shore Major Chemical Facilities.

In 2008 he moved to HSE’s Nuclear Directorate, as Deputy Chief Inspector, responsible for inspection, assessment and enforcement at sites such as Sellafield and Dounreay, as well as managing the UK’s operational safeguards activities.

Since February 2009 he has been acting as Director, New Nuclear Build Generic Design Assessment (GDA), responsible for delivering the GDA for the proposed new generation UK reactor designs.

Kevin is involved in charity work: organising wishes for terminally ill children. His hobbies include stock car racing, football, bowls, and live music. He has a son of 28; and a daughter of 26, both of whom have added children to the family dynasty, so at 51 Kevin is a grandad!

Charles Hendry MP

Shadow Minister for Energy, Conservative Party

Biography

Charles Hendry has been Member of Parliament for Wealden since 2001. He is currently Shadow Minister for Energy. Before this, Charles was Shadow Minister for Energy, Industry and Postal Affairs in the Business and Enterprise team and Energy Science and Technology in the former DTI team. Charles was the Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party (2003-05) and Shadow Minister for Young People (2002-05) and Shadow Minister for Industry and Enterprise (May – December 2005).

From 1992-97, Charles was Member of Parliament for High Peak, Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party (1995-1997) and Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Homelessness (1992-1996). Following the 1997 General Election, Charles was appointed Chief of Staff to the Rt Hon William Hague during his leadership of the Conservative Party, before establishing and leading the Business Liaison Unit at Conservative Party headquarters.

Charles’ business career has mostly been spent in Public Relations, working with the international communications groups Ogilvy & Mather PR and Burson-Marsteller. He was Special Adviser to the Rt Hon John Moore MP as Secretary of State for Social Services (1988) and to the Rt Hon Tony Newton MP as Minister of State for Trade & Industry and then Secretary of State for Social Security (1988-90). He was Founder/Chairman/Chief Executive of The Agenda Group (1999-2005), a specialist consultancy helping company Chairmen and Chief Executives with their corporate networking.

Frank Lopez

Vice President, Commercial Nuclear Projects, CH2M HILL

Biography

Frank Lopez, Jr. has 35 years of nuclear experience in nuclear engineering design, licensing, safety analysis, and project management. He has managed numerous engineering and licensing efforts around the world including original plant licensing reviews, operating plants, decommissioning, and the latest efforts in new nuclear generation.

Currently the Vice President for Commercial Nuclear Projects at CH2M HILL, Frank is responsible for the marketing, development and Project Delivery of projects in the commercial nuclear power sector, including licensing activities for new build projects.  He Interacts directly with client organizations and industry groups in the planning and implementation of major new projects in the sector and serves as Deputy to the Senior Vice President for Commercial Nuclear Projects. 

Frank was previously employed by Bechtel Power Corporation.

John Mead

Purchase and Supply Chain Engineering Expert, Davis Langdon

Biography

John is Head of Supply Chain Management for Davis Langdon LLP’s Europe and Middle East Region. He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building who has spent his whole working life in the construction sector.

His passion for improving performance throughout the industry stems from his experience working at all levels, including contracting, policy development and as a consultant.

As a contractor John has worked on projects of all types and scales from PFI hospitals to the refurbishment of the Royal Opera House.

In 1998 following the publication of Sir John Egan’s Rethinking Construction Report, John became one of the first Movement for Innovation Team members charged with the capture, measurement and dissemination of best practice and innovation from industry demonstration projects.

As a consultant he worked as part of a team that established a nationwide supply chain of regional contractors for Norwich Union Insurance, which delivered £20m of savings to the client in its first year of operation.

Most recently John has been part of the delivery of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games where he leads supply chain management for the Olympic Delivery Authority’s Delivery Partner, CLM.

Graham Honeyman

Chief Executive, Sheffield Forgemasters

Biography

John is Head of Supply Chain Management for Davis Langdon LLP’s Europe and Middle East Region. He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building who has spent his whole working life in the construction sector.

His passion for improving performance throughout the industry stems from his experience working at all levels, including contracting, policy development and as a consultant.

As a contractor John has worked on projects of all types and scales from PFI hospitals to the refurbishment of the Royal Opera House.

In 1998 following the publication of Sir John Egan’s Rethinking Construction Report, John became one of the first Movement for Innovation Team members charged with the capture, measurement and dissemination of best practice and innovation from industry demonstration projects.

As a consultant he worked as part of a team that established a nationwide supply chain of regional contractors for Norwich Union Insurance, which delivered £20m of savings to the client in its first year of operation.

Most recently John has been part of the delivery of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games where he leads supply chain management for the Olympic Delivery Authority’s Delivery Partner, CLM.

Clive Smith

Director Nuclear Skills, Cogent

Biography

Clive started as an apprentice Control Engineer with the Royal Navy and following a career spanning over 35 years and a variety of roles, was appointed the MoD’s Head of Nuclear Skills. Clive is a Chartered Engineer and his qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma and an MSc in Nuclear Reactor Technology and Science.

Clive has extensive management experience within nuclear operational and training environments and across Government departments.  Positions included Chief Engineer of operational nuclear plants, Nuclear Safety Regulator and appointments in the Royal Navy, Ministry of Defence, Department of Trade and Industry and in commercial training companies