Satu Katajala becomes WANO regional centre director

27 October 2023

The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) has appointed Satu Katajala as its next Paris Centre Director in what it describes as a "significant milestone in support of diversity in the nuclear industry".

(Image: WANO)

Katajala is currently Vice-President, Nuclear Safety Oversight and International Co-operation, at Fortum’s Loviisa nuclear power plant, and has worked in a wide variety of roles during more than three decades in nuclear operations and radiation protection.

WANO CEO Naoki Chigusa, said: “I am delighted that Satu has joined us and I’ve no doubt she will be a great asset to WANO, to our members of the Paris Centre region, and the global industry. Satu joins us with a raft of experience and expertise, and we look forward to her leading Paris Centre during a key phase in its development - with our shared aim to support our members in driving sustainable improvements to all plants and facilities. As the first female appointed to the position, this is also a major step in helping enhance diversity within our industry."

Katajala said: "It is a great honour to join WANO Paris Centre in the key role of director. I will work with my colleagues to ensure that WANO continues to work together to assess, benchmark and improve performance through mutual support, exchange of information, and emulation of best practices. My mandate is to continue our members’ successful implementation of Action for Excellence and drive sustainable improvement in the performance of the industry over the coming years. We are also ready to support the expansion of the industry, and support members that introduce and operate new technologies, such as SMRs."

WANO, a not-for-profit international organisation that helps its members maximise the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants worldwide, was established in 1989 by the world's nuclear power operators to exchange safety knowledge and operating experience amongst organisations operating commercial nuclear power reactors. WANO’s members operate around 430 nuclear units in over 30 countries and areas worldwide.

The Paris Centre covers 70 nuclear power plant units across 17 countries. WANO also has regional centres in Atlanta, Moscow and Tokyo and offices in London and Shanghai. Katajala, who will become the first woman to have headed any of the WANO regional centres, succeeds Luis Soriano Martinez, who completes his four year term in the role at the end of the year.

Researched and written by World Nuclear News