Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has appointed Fran Worthington as its inaugural Managing Director, Nuclear as the company positions itself to support the Australian Government with the delivery of Australia’s once-in-a-generation Nuclear Powered Submarines.
Mr Worthington will take charge of Babcock’s contribution to the development of future military nuclear infrastructure and the acquisition of the associated nuclear licensing.
Since 2014, Mr Worthington has worked in a variety of roles at Cavendish Nuclear, a leading nuclear services company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group.
Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland said: “We are delighted to welcome Fran Worthington to the Babcock Australasia team as the company gears up to support arguably the most important Defence programme and partnership in Australia’s history.
“Fran is a global leader in the nuclear field – his nuclear qualifications, operational experience, workforce upskilling and senior industrial leadership is invaluable.
“People like Fran are crucial to the development of the nation’s nuclear skills base and there is no doubt his expertise and knowledge will be invaluable in the coming months and years as the ambitious AUKUS agenda is rolled out.”
“This is a great example of how a company like Babcock can leverage 50+ years of pedigree in nuclear sustainment and skills development to seamlessly transfer and build capability within Australia – retaining key people within our global business.”
Mr Worthington said: “It is an exciting time to be working for Babcock Australasia as Australia embarks on the most significant Defence project in its history.
“Babcock is a world-leader in nuclear submarine capability and we have decades of experience in sustainment, nuclear safety and stewardship and as such, we are well positioned to be providing this capability for the Commonwealth.”
Babcock plays a crucial role in the UK, US and Australia’s submarine programs today.
The company sustains 100 per cent of the UK Royal Navy submarine fleet and owns and operates the UK’s only licensed facility for refitting, refuelling and defueling nuclear submarines.
Mr Worthington officially commenced the role last month and will be based at the Group’s regional head office in Adelaide, South Australia.
Babcock also welcomes Andy Davis, who is currently Babcock Australasia’s Executive Director AUKUS, to an expanded role as Executive Director AUKUS & Strategic Regional Growth as the company continues to grow in Australasia and the Asia Pacific region, and positions itself to support the AUKUS agenda.