Paul Methven, Chief Executive Officer of UK Fusion Energy, has announced his intention to step down from the organisation at the end of March 2027.
Paul joined the STEP programme in 2020 and has led UK Fusion Energy through a period of significant growth and development, helping to establish the organisation, secure key programme milestones and build strong foundations for the future.
Commenting on the announcement, David Gann, Chair of UK Fusion Energy Board said:
“Since joining the STEP programme in 2020, Paul has played a pivotal role in shaping both the programme and UK Fusion Energy. His leadership has helped establish strong foundations for the future, from securing key government support and developing the programme’s strategic direction to building the organisation we have today.
Paul has made an outstanding contribution to UK Fusion Energy and the STEP programme. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Paul for his commitment and dedication and wish him every success in the future.”
A recruitment process for a new Chief Executive will begin as soon as possible, allowing for an orderly transition and comprehensive handover.
UK Fusion Energy remains focused on delivering its strategic priorities and working with partners, stakeholders and communities to advance the UK’s fusion energy ambitions.
Paul Methven, CEO UK Fusion Energy and Responsible Officer for STEP Fusion
“Leading UK Fusion Energy and the STEP programme has been the greatest privilege of my career. Over the past six years we have built an exceptional organisation, established a clear strategic direction and developed a programme that will place the UK at the front of a critical new strategic technology, generating clean energy for the world, building new jobs and lives and restoring hope to communities that need and deserve that.
But after a long career first in the Royal Navy and now here, almost all of it working away from home, it is time to prioritise that home life. Nothing could better this job professionally and so I will not be seeking another fulltime executive role. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and have every confidence that UK Fusion Energy and STEP will continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
This has been, without question, the hardest decision of my professional career. I have been a part of almost every aspect of growing STEP and UKFE since close to the very start and feel a huge personal affinity and responsibility for everything in the organisation and programme, especially for the people individually and as a team. They are brilliant.”
