EDF Energy CEO Vincent de Rivaz confirms success in integration with British Energy.

EDF Energy Chief Executive Vincent de Rivaz today confirmed the latest successful step in the integration of British Energy as the transition of Andy Spurr to the role of Managing Director Existing Nuclear business was completed.

Mr de Rivaz announced on April 28 that Andy Spurr would succeed Bill Coley in running the company’s Existing Nuclear fleet in July, following a managed transition process. Mr de Rivaz said: “We are making strong progress to bring together EDF Energy and British Energy as one company in EDF Group.

“This is a hugely significant contribution which creates the UK’s largest power company, and whose success is important to securing affordable and low carbon energy supplies for the future.

“I am delighted that the integration is progressing well and that our initial assessment that the two companies are a great fit has been fully confirmed.

“I have met with employees at the company’s sites across the country to discuss the significant opportunities the combination creates. There is great appetite for the combination and for the contribution this company can make to the country’s energy future.

“The completion on schedule today of the transition plan I set out in April is a further example of the success of the integration process.

“Andy has outstanding nuclear credentials with more than 30 years’ industry experience. During the transition process he has been working closely with me and with Bill Coley and I am confident that under Andy’s leadership, the Existing Nuclear business unit will play a key role in EDF Energy.

“I would also like to thank Bill who has been critical to the success of British Energy and EDF Energy coming together within EDF Group. He leaves a company that understands the meaning of having nuclear professionals and people who are proud to be working together, to safely generate low carbon electricity.”

Mr Coley said: “The combination of EDF Energy and British Energy has huge potential – perhaps more potential than I’ve ever seen in a combination of two companies. Under the leadership of Vincent de Rivaz this potential will be fully realised.”

Dr Spurr said: “The focus of the Existing Nuclear business unit within EDF Energy will be the continued safe operation of the existing nuclear fleet, maintaining and improving reliability of the low carbon output and building the case for extending plant lives where appropriate.”

Dr Spurr has worked in the nuclear industry since 1975. He has worked at a variety of the company’s nuclear sites including a period as station director at Dungeness B. He was appointed chief technical officer for British Energy in 2006.