WANO Governing Board appoints new CEO

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WANO, PUBLISHED 12.10.2026

The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) has appointed Cosmin Ghiță as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2027.

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Cosmin Ghiță © WANO

He will succeed Dr Naoki Chigusa, who has led WANO since 2023.

Ghiță joins WANO following almost nine successful years as Chief Executive Officer of Romania's nuclear utility, Societatea Națională Nuclearelectrica S.A. (SNN).

He also brings extensive knowledge of WANO and its global membership through his active involvement in the organisation's governance since 2020, including as an Atlanta Centre Governor and a member of the Governing Board.

His appointment follows a comprehensive selection process led by the WANO Governing Board.

As Chief Executive Officer, Ghiță will lead WANO's global organisation and work with its members and regional centres to ensure the association continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of the nuclear industry.

He will focus on strengthening WANO's support for members as they seek to maximise performance and deliver excellence in safe and reliable nuclear operations.

This will include maintaining momentum behind the UNITY strategy and Action for Excellence, supporting progress in accelerating industry performance, sharing operating experience, strengthening peer support and helping members achieve sustainable performance improvement.

José Gago, WANO Chair, said:

"I am delighted Cosmin is an accomplished nuclear industry leader with a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our members.

His perspective as an operator, his international experience and his first-hand knowledge of WANO make him exceptionally well placed to lead the organisation through its next chapter.

The nuclear industry is entering a period of significant opportunity and change. WANO must continue to evolve with it, while remaining firmly focused on its mission.

Under Cosmin's leadership, we will build on the strong foundations established through UNITY and Action for Excellence, enhance the support we provide to members and continue advancing the highest standards of nuclear safety and reliability worldwide."

Cosmin Ghiță said:

"It is an honour to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of WANO. As a member and Governor, I have seen the unique value WANO brings by connecting nuclear operators around the world in pursuit of a shared mission.

My priority will be to listen to our members and work closely with colleagues across WANO's global network to ensure we continue to evolve and provide the practical, high-quality support they need.

Together, we will sharpen our focus on performance, strengthen collaboration and help every member deliver excellence in safe and reliable nuclear operations.

I look forward to building on the progress already made and ensuring WANO is ready to support both today's operating fleet and the future growth of nuclear energy."

José Gago added:

"On behalf of the Governing Board and WANO's global membership, I would also like to thank Naoki Chigusa for his dedicated service and leadership.

During his tenure, WANO has advanced its strategic priorities, strengthened collaboration across its global network and supported measurable improvement in industry performance.

We are grateful for his contribution and wish him every success for the future."

A structured transition plan is in place. Dr Chigusa and Ghiță will work closely together over the coming months to maintain continuity across key initiatives and ensure a seamless leadership transition.

Topics: WANO

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