Chris Auener will lead AECOM’s nuclear energy growth strategy and drive expansion across the sector with new and existing clients.
LONDON (June 19 2026) – AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, has appointed Chris Auener as nuclear sector lead, joining the firm’s Energy division across its Europe and India region. This comes as the business continues to bolster its presence in nuclear energy, decommissioning and waste treatment, with prominent growth in the sector in recent years.
Chris brings to the role more than 20 years’ experience in the nuclear industry and will be responsible for leading AECOM’s growth strategy in this area. This includes bringing together the nuclear energy client account team, technical experts from multiple disciplines and senior business leaders, helping them to strengthen client relationships and build work-winning strategies to drive success and unlock new growth opportunities.
Joining from Westinghouse Electric Company, where he held the position of Global Markets Executive, Chris has overseen strategy and key accounts across the full nuclear power lifecycle. This includes new build projects, R&D, fuel fabrication and supporting existing nuclear power facilities already in operation.
He joins AECOM at a pivotal time, following the announcement that the business will provide design and technical services to help deliver the first stage of the pioneering £200 million STEP fusion energy programme. Led by UK Fusion Energy, the programme aims to deliver a commercially viable fusion power plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire by 2040.
Prior to his role at Westinghouse, Chris spent fifteen years in client facing Key Account and Sales Director roles in Nuclear Power at Jacobs and its predecessor companies. During his tenure he oversaw the direction of gigawatt nuclear and small modular reactor opportunities and helped technology vendors bring their products to market. He led on strategic client relationships, and he was also responsible for the delivery of Business-to-Business Lifetime Agreements.
Eloise John, Managing Director, Energy, Europe and India, AECOM, said: “Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening energy independence has never been more urgent. As countries accelerate the shift to clean energy, the need for secure, resilient and low-carbon infrastructure is coming sharply into focus. Nuclear energy has a vital role to play alongside renewables in delivering reliable, large-scale clean power.
“As the sector evolves, innovation will be key to unlocking the full value of nuclear energy in supporting decarbonisation. Chris brings deep sector expertise and a strong track record in business development and will play a key role in growing our nuclear energy portfolio while building strong partnerships across the public and private sectors.”
Chris Auener, Director and Nuclear Sector Lead, Europe and India, AECOM, added: “I am proud to be joining AECOM at such an important time for the nuclear sector, as it re-emerges as a cornerstone of secure, resilient, low-carbon energy systems. I look forward to starting in the role and working with the team to expand our offering, deepen client partnerships and support the delivery of innovative, future-focused solutions across the UK and international markets.”
About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.