TORONTO, Oct. 8, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) Board of Directors today announced that Laurie Swami has decided to retire after a decade as President and CEO. Derek Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, will become the organization's new President and CEO. The transition is effective Nov. 1, 2026.

"Laurie has provided exceptional leadership to the NWMO and to Canada's nuclear sector," said Glenn Jager, Chair of the NWMO Board of Directors. "Her commitment to building relationships inside and outside the organization has been instrumental in advancing the safe management of Canada's nuclear waste. She leaves the NWMO stronger, more capable and well positioned for the next phase of its mandate."

Swami joined the NWMO as President and CEO in October 2016. Under her leadership, the NWMO reached the historic decision to select a site for Canada's deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel through a consent-based approach and entered the regulatory decision-making process. She also oversaw the expansion of the NWMO's mandate to include the management of intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste in a deep geological repository.

"Leading the NWMO has been a privilege," said Swami. "I am deeply proud of the team and all that we have accomplished together by having a shared purpose, grounded in safety, openness, shared learning and respect for the rights and well-being of Indigenous Peoples."

Wilson has served as its first Chief Operating Officer since 2022. He joined the organization in 2009 and previously held a number of senior leadership roles, including Chief Engineer.

"Derek has been instrumental in preparing the organization for the future, building the organizational capabilities, systems and processes to advance into new phases of work," added Jager. "His experience and focus, commitment to the NWMO vision and decades of experience in project and operational management in the mining and construction industries are assets to the organization as it continues to evolve."

"I am honoured to lead the NWMO into its next phase. Our people, communities and partners have built a strong foundation through thoughtful planning, collaboration and commitment. The work now is to bring that foundation to life: to continue advancing these nation-building projects, turn plans into action and execute safely with focus, discipline and care," said Wilson.

Derek Wilson biography

Derek Wilson currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer and previously served as Chief Engineer and Vice-President of Construction and Projects. He joined the NWMO in 2009.

As Chief Operating Officer, he oversees all operational aspects of the NWMO's mandate, including operational readiness projects, field activities, supply chain, procurement, information technology and other functions. His previous experience includes implementing the Adaptive Phased Management technical and field assessment programs and managing the NWMO's past work with Ontario Power Generation to obtain regulatory approval for a proposed deep geologic repository to store low- and intermediate-level waste.

Wilson is a mining engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the mining and heavy construction industries, primarily in project and operational management roles. Before joining the NWMO, he worked with the mining division of AMEC and with Holcim Canada.

About the NWMO

Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada's intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management.

Keep in touch

Follow the NWMO on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Nuclear Waste Management Organization