Framatome Inc. taps new CEO and president

Starting Aug. 8, Anthony “Tony” Robinson will take over as the next CEO and president of Framatome Inc., the North American subsidiary of the French nuclear equipment, services and fuel producer.

A former executive for Framatome and BWX Technologies, Robinson replaces Katherine Williams, who retired after 20 years working for the Lynchburg-based nuclear reactor and fuel manufacturer. She became CEO and president in July 2023, succeeding Gary Mignogna, the company’s leader for 45 years.

Robinson, who has about 35 years of experience in North America’s nuclear energy field, was previously employed at Framatome and its predecessor, Areva, for about 25 years, including overseeing installed base products and engineering, customer accounts and building of new nuclear facilities across North America.

Most recently, Robinson was senior vice president and chief nuclear officer of Structural Integrity Associates, a North Carolina company providing engineering services for the energy industry. He also was vice president of the U.S. nuclear energy group at BWXT in Lynchburg. A registered engineer in Ohio, Robinson has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron and is a board member for the Central Virginia YMCA in Lynchburg.

“We are happy to welcome a proven leader and seasoned engineer as CEO of Framatome Inc.,” Bernard Fontana, CEO of the French parent company, said in a statement. “The promising growth of the North American nuclear industry, fueled by public and private support for clean energy, positions Tony to lead Framatome North America with excellence, ensuring seamless operations and continued support for our customers.”

In April, Framatome broke ground on a $49.4 million expansion at its Mill Ridge Road facility in Lynchburg, where Operational Center of Excellence employees service and maintain nuclear reactors in North America, and develop ideas for small nuclear reactors. The expansion is expected to add 515 jobs in Lynchburg, where it employs approximately 1,350 people.

Framatome has had a presence in Lynchburg since 1989, and it moved its North American headquarters from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Lynchburg in 2018.