Paul Sullivan has been appointed vice president of American Centrifuge, effective 1 July 2009, replacing Russell Starkey.
In this position, Sullivan will oversee all aspects of the American Centrifuge technology's research and development and the construction of the plant in Piketon, Ohio, which is due to begin commercial operations in the third quarter of this year.
Sullivan replaces Russell Starkey, who has informed the company of his intention to retire at the end of the year. Starkey will continue to serve as an officer with the Company through the transition, reporting directly to Usec president and CEO John K. Welch, Usec said.
“Usec is grateful to Russ for his 12 years of service to the company including as general manager of our Paducah plant, at headquarters as vice president of operations and finally as vice president of the American Centrifuge programme. There isn't much at Usec today that hasn't benefited from Russ' involvement," said Welch.
While Sullivan will remain as chief engineer, the general managers of Usec's Paducah plant and Usec government services in Piketon will report to Bob Van Namen, senior vice president of uranium enrichment, on an interim basis. Sullivan brings to the American Centrifuge programme experience in leading major construction projects. During a 34-year Navy career, Sullivan served as commander of Naval Sea Systems Command, chief engineer of the Naval Sea Systems Command and programme manager of the Virginia and Seawolf submarine classes.
