WANO names Spain’s Gago as new chair

The governing board of the World Association of Nuclear Operators has appointed José Gago as the new WANO chair. He was formerly the general manager and chief executive officer of the Asociacion Nuclear Asco-Vandellos (ANAV) in Spain.

Gago will succeed the current chair, Tom Mitchell, on March 1, 2025, after Mitchell completes his full six-year term in the role.

Background: Gago has been ANAV's governor at the WANO Paris Centre's governing board since 2012 and was elected its chairperson in 2020. He has been the president of the Spanish Nuclear Society and a member of the Foro Nuclear board of directors, and he has kept close contact with the nuclear industry, serving on several advisory boards and participating in the International Atomic Energy Agency expert missions.

He has extensive technical and managerial experience in the nuclear fuel cycle, including fuel procurement and design, nuclear power plant design, licensing and operations, spent fuel interim storage, reprocessing and disposal, and radioactive waste management and plant decommissioning.

"I am delighted and honored to be appointed as the next WANO chair," Gago said. "Continuing the strong basis of delivering WANO's mission and vision, I look forward to working closely with the governing board, WANO leadership, and all the members to support them to improve plant performance in their journey to nuclear excellence."

Quotes: WANO CEO Naoki Chigusa commented, "We are delighted to have José taking up this key role. His vast industry experience will be indispensable in leading WANO and our members to pursue excellence in operational nuclear safety, as well as further strengthening our collaboration with industry partners and new entrant countries. Taking the opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to Tom for his guidance and contribution to the organization as the WANO chair in the past years."

Mitchell added, "It is my honor to lead WANO as chair in the past six years. Since joining WANO, despite facing challenges, we launched the key industry initiative Action for Excellence and implemented long-term plans to support members in achieving and sustaining the highest level of performance. José is an accomplished industry leader, and [I] am pleased to have him as the next chair, to continue driving WANO's mission and vision to maximize the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants worldwide. Wishing José great success!"