News story

Sellafield’s longest serving director to step down

Mark Neate, director of environment, safety, and security at Sellafield Ltd has announced he will leave the company later this year.

He joined Sellafield Ltd as chief security officer from the British Army, going on to serve on the company’s executive board for more than a decade.

In a career dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the Sellafield site and its workforce, he led numerous successful programmes including the Sellafield Security Enhancement Project, the modernisation of the site’s emergency management arrangements, and the embedding of sustainability principles into the site’s operations.

The highlight of his time at Sellafield was leading the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Euan Hutton, Sellafield Ltd chief executive officer, paid tribute to Mark’s unique contribution.

He said:

Mark has been utterly dedicated in his service, bringing the highest levels of professionalism and expertise to a challenging portfolio.

He has been a fantastic colleague and I’ve very much enjoyed working with him.

The role he played in running our response to the Covid-19 pandemic was a particular highlight for me.

We aren’t saying goodbye just yet. Mark will continue in post for several more months and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to his successor.

Mark added:

There is never an easy time to think about a move from an organisation whose mission I so wholeheartedly support.

I took stock at the end of the summer break and ultimately decided that 2024 was the right time for me to move on.

I’m incredibly proud to have worked with such a dedicated and professional workforce and I wish the company every success for the future.

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, thanked Mark for his services to Sellafield and west Cumbria.

She said:

The safety and security of the Sellafield site is crucial to the success of our community.

Ensuring everyone on and off site is protected from harm is in the DNA of Sellafield Ltd. I saw this unwavering commitment on a recent site visit.

Mark has made a huge contribution to this agenda over a decade of service.

I would like to thank him for all of his efforts and wish him all the very best for the future.

Published 8 January 2024