Pete Sena to succeed Stephen Kuczynski as chairman and CEO of Southern Nuclear
Southern Company announced that Peter P. Sena III will succeed Stephen Kuczynski as chairman and CEO of Southern Nuclear. Sena, who joined in 2019, brings extensive industry experience and will oversee operations across multiple nuclear power plants. Kuczynski led the company through challenges and the successful construction of Vogtle Units 3&4.
Peter Sena's proven experience, knowledge, and relationships will ensure clean, safe, reliable, and affordable nuclear generation for years to come.
Sena's transformative impact on the company since joining in 2019 reflects his leadership ability and potential to drive Southern Company and the nuclear industry forward.
Under Kuczynski's leadership, the existing operating fleet achieved top industry performance, and Vogtle Units 3&4 were successfully constructed and brought online, delivering clean energy to Georgia homes and businesses.
Stephen Kuczynski's retirement may introduce uncertainties during the leadership transition, potentially impacting the company's operations and strategic direction.
The departure of a long-standing leader like Kuczynski could lead to challenges in maintaining the company's performance and navigating future industry trends.
After joining Southern Nuclear in 2011, Kuczynski led the existing operating fleet to top industry performance and brought online the first newly constructed nuclear power units in the
"For more than a decade, Stephen has led Southern Nuclear and the entire industry in the pursuit of nuclear innovation, overseeing the premier performance of our nuclear power plants while ensuring Vogtle Units 3&4 were constructed safely and brought online," said Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. "It's no secret that Stephen led our company through a number of challenges, but he never wavered; understanding the importance of the Vogtle expansion project, which is now delivering clean energy to
"It has been the privilege of my career to work alongside the leaders of Southern Company, the greater nuclear industry, and the nuclear professionals at Southern Nuclear to demonstrate the viability and importance of nuclear power. We've proven to this country and our communities that the deployment of new nuclear is achievable," said Kuczynski.
When Sena assumes the additional roles of chairman and CEO, he will oversee the operation of over 8,400 MW of nuclear power across Plant Farley in
"Pete is the leader who will carry both our company and the nuclear industry forward," Womack added. "Pete has had a transformative impact on the company since joining our team five years ago; and his decades of proven experience, comprehensive knowledge, and depth of relationships will help ensure we provide customers with clean, safe, reliable and affordable nuclear generation for decades to come."
"Pete is well respected for his expertise, passion, and understanding of people," added Kuczynski. "He understands the importance of innovation, standards, and technology as the engines of American greatness and will work tirelessly to help ensure Southern Nuclear's continued leadership in the industry."
"The people at Southern Nuclear have built a legacy running our plants safely and reliably, working day-in and day-out to serve our communities with 24/7 carbon-free power," said Sena. "It's been a privilege to be a part of that journey, and as we navigate this exciting time for our country, I look forward to building upon that legacy with the incredible teams across our company."
Sena was appointed president in 2023 after joining the company in July 2019 as executive vice president and chief nuclear officer (CNO). Before joining Southern Nuclear, he held a number of leadership positions at First Energy and later PSEG, including serving as CNO for both companies. Under his tenure, these nuclear fleets achieved consistent top quartile performance as rated among nuclear utilities.
Sena's diverse industry experience began in the
Sena earned a Bachelor of Science degree in fuel science from Pennsylvania State University in 1985. Since March of 2023, he has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Nuclear Energy Institute's (NEI) board.
Before joining Southern Company, Kuczynski was the senior vice president of engineering and technical support for Exelon Nuclear, responsible for performance of outage services, training, emergency preparedness, security, chemistry, radiation protection, operations, maintenance, work control and industrial safety for the Exelon Nuclear fleet. Prior to that role, Kuczynski was the senior vice president of Exelon Nuclear's Midwest Operations. In that role, he was responsible for oversight of Exelon Nuclear's six
Kuczynski holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and is a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program. He earned a Senior Reactor Operator License from the NRC.
Kuczynski previously served as chair of the NEI's Advanced Reactor Working Group and the New Plant Advisory Committee. He has also served on the board of directors and the executive committee of NEI, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations National Nuclear Accrediting Board, and as a member of both the Terrestrial Energy Corporate Industrial Advisory Board and the
Kuczynski received the Special Achievement Award from the
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pete-sena-to-succeed-stephen-kuczynski-as-chairman-and-ceo-of-southern-nuclear-302143025.html
SOURCE Southern Company
FAQ
Who will succeed Stephen Kuczynski as chairman and CEO of Southern Nuclear?
Peter P. Sena III, current president of Southern Nuclear, will succeed Stephen Kuczynski as chairman and CEO.
When will Peter Sena assume the roles of chairman and CEO?
Peter Sena will take over as chairman and CEO of Southern Nuclear effective June 28, 2024.
What is Stephen Kuczynski's contribution to Southern Nuclear?
Stephen Kuczynski led the existing operating fleet to top industry performance and oversaw the successful construction of Vogtle Units 3&4, delivering clean energy to Georgia.
What is Peter Sena's background and experience in the nuclear industry?
Peter Sena has held leadership positions at First Energy and PSEG, achieving top quartile performance in nuclear fleets. He also served in the U.S. Navy's nuclear program.
What are the key responsibilities of Southern Nuclear under Peter Sena's leadership?
Peter Sena will oversee the operation of over 8,400 MW of nuclear power across multiple plants, ensuring clean, safe, reliable, and affordable nuclear generation.
