Entergy Corp. names new chief nuclear officer

Christopher Bakken
Christopher Bakken | Courtesy of Entergy Corp.

Entergy Corp. said late last week that it has named Christopher Bakken as its new chief nuclear officer, effective April 6.

Bakken will replace Jeff Forbes, who recently announced his retirement.

"At a time when the nuclear business is experiencing a transformation, Chris has the unique combination of skills required to help manage us back to a best-in-class organization," Entergy CEO Leo Denault said. "Chris has a proven track record as a global business executive equipped with the necessary technical expertise and demonstrated ability to effectively rebuild organizations to perform at a sustained level of operational excellence. His collaborative leadership style, strong interpersonal skills and diverse portfolio of experiences give me confidence in his ability to successfully lead our 6,000-person nuclear organization in upholding our commitment to operate a world-class energy business that creates sustainable value for all our stakeholders."

Bakken will oversee all operations at Entergy’s nuclear plants currently in operation, as well as management services for Cooper Nuclear Station in Nebraska.

Bakken previously worked for Duquesne Light Company, British Energy, EDF Energy, American Electric Power and Public Service Enterprise Group.

"During my career, I've often admired the company," Bakken said. "I am looking forward to leveraging my experiences, the strengths of the team, resources of the enterprise and support of the industry to help Entergy regain our footing as an industry front-runner," Bakken said.