AECL appoints new Senior Vice-President responsible for Nuclear Laboratories

CHALK RIVER, ON, Aug. 20 /CNW/ - Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) today announces the appointment of Dr. Robert Walker as Senior Vice-President responsible for AECL's Nuclear Laboratories. The appointment is effective November 15, 2010.

Dr. Walker's primary responsibility will be leading AECL's research and development (R&D) efforts in physics, metallurgy, chemistry, biology and engineering. He will also guide the Nuclear Laboratories through AECL's restructuring to maintain the Laboratories as one of the world's foremost nuclear research facilities.

"Robert's strong academic credentials, combined with his extensive public policy and laboratory operations experience, make him uniquely suited for the Nuclear Laboratories," says AECL's President and CEO Hugh MacDiarmid.

Dr. Walker received his NDC designation from the National Defence College, Ontario and earned a B.Sc. in Physics from Acadia University, Nova Scotia. He also holds an M.Eng. in Engineering Physics and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from McMaster University, Ontario. He is also a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

Currently Dr. Walker serves as Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Science and Technology of the Department of National Defence, and the Chief Executive Officer of Defence R&D Canada. He has been elected Chairman of the NATO Research and Technology Board (RTB) effective April 2009 and is the principal Canadian representative to the Technology Cooperation Program (TTCP).

About AECL

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited is a full-service nuclear technology company providing services to nuclear utilities around the world. Established in 1952, AECL is the designer and builder of CANDU technology, including the CANDU 6, one of the world's top performing reactors. AECL's 5,000 employees deliver cutting edge nuclear services, R&D support, design and engineering, construction management, specialized technology, refurbishment, waste management and decommissioning in support of CANDU reactor products.

For further information: Robin Forbes, Manager, External Communications, 1-866-886-(AECL) 2325