M&E expert returns to run Hinkley Point C

EDF has drafted in engineering heavyweight Mark Hartley to take charge of the Hinkley Point C nuclear build in Somerset.

Hartley will take over as chief executive from 1 July, replacing long-serving boss Stuart Crooks, who is stepping down after 40 years in the nuclear industry.

Hartley, an expert in mechanical engineering,  returns to the mega-project having previously spent five years as technical director on the job before moving in 2023 to lead EDF’s Nuclear Operations business, which runs the UK’s fleet of existing reactors.

His appointment puts a proven insider with deep project knowledge back at the helm as EDF drives on with the delivery of the twin-reactor power station.

Last month EDF revealed that mechanical and electrical headaches have pushed first power at Hinkley Point C back yet another year – with the price tag swelling by £1.4bn to £48bn at today’s prices.

The power company blamed lower than expected productivity on the vast electromechanical installation programme.

Crooks will remain closely involved in the sector, taking on non-executive roles with Sizewell C and EDF’s Nuclear Operations arm, alongside an advisory role on the Cottam small modular reactor project.

EDF said the leadership transition had been carefully planned to support the next phase of nuclear delivery in Britain, with lessons from Hinkley Point C feeding into future projects including Sizewell C.

Source Link: https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/03/25/me-expert-returns-to-run-hinkley-point-c/