Sam Laidlaw appointed as non-executive chairman of AWE Plc Board

Sam Laidlaw has been appointed as the new independent non-executive chairman of the AWE Plc Board with effect from 1 January 2025.

Sam has been a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Group during the coalition government, the Senior Director for the Department of Transport and a non-executive director of both HSBC Holdings plc and Hanson plc.

He has more than 40 years’ experience across the energy sector and has held several senior roles including Chief Executive Officer of both Enterprise Oil plc and Centrica plc, and as the Founder and Executive Chairman of Neptune Energy Group Holdings Ltd, an international oil and gas exploration and production company.  He is the senior non-executive director of Rio Tinto plc and Chairman of the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB).

“I am also extremely proud to play a part at such an important time in AWE’s history as we undertake a transformational level of investment in both people and infrastructure and embark on the next generation of production to design and deliver a Replacement Warhead.”

Sam Laidlaw, Non-Executive Chairman, AWE Plc Board

Sam’s extensive experience in long-term capital investment industries in which safety, stakeholder management and leadership are critical, make him well placed for this appointment.

Sam said: “It’s a great privilege to be appointed as chair of the board. In the context of current geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts, AWE’s purpose, to protect the UK through nuclear science and technology, has never been more important. Its contribution is crucial in ensuring the Continuous at Sea Deterrent remains effective – protecting both our country and our allies.

“I am also extremely proud to play a part at such an important time in AWE’s history as we undertake a transformational level of investment in both people and infrastructure and embark on the next generation of production to design and deliver a Replacement Warhead. The investment into the business will ensure that AWE continues to help deliver the UK’s nuclear deterrent, now and for decades to come.”

He will succeed Sir John Manzoni as chair of the board. AWE’s CEO, Nick Elliott, said: “The AWE team would like to thank Sir John for his commitment, contribution, and leadership towards maintaining the UK’s nuclear deterrent over the course of his appointment. We look forward to welcoming Sam to the board, whose stewardship will continue to support the organisation through this crucial transition period and build on the impressive progress made so far.”