The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) announced on October 3rd, 2019 that Bruce Wallace will become its President & CEO beginning October 15, 2019.
Bruce brings to NII rich private and public sector experience in innovation networks and economic development. He comes from Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, where he was part of a small leadership team that established the industry-led initiative to intensify collaboration between manufacturers and advanced technology companies. Before that, he was the Special Adviser to Ontario’s Deputy Minister of Economic Growth and Development.
Bruce moved into these fields after a long career as a journalist and media executive living and working across North America, Europe and Asia for Maclean’s magazine and the Los Angeles Times. His work included a focus on critical energy and environmental public policy issues.
“Driving development of an advanced nuclear industry is essential to building a cleaner, better future for us all,” Bruce said. “The people and companies in this region are already showing Canada and the world what a sustainable, forward-looking nuclear industry looks like. It’s a great story to tell.
“There is no better place to work together on the skills, technologies and ideas that will find solutions to the great challenges of our time.”
A Southampton resident, Bruce will work out of NII’s temporary location at 625 Goderich St in Port Elgin until renovations at NII’s new location, iSPACE620 are complete. The new space is expected to be fully operational by January 2020.
“Bruce’s experience in establishing superclusters and his connectivity with the innovation community will help bring to life our vision of creating an industry leading applied research Center, and an educational and economic development platform. He will be instrumental in continuing to build momentum as NII secures members and ramps up operations,” said Mike Rencheck, Chair of NII’s Board of Directors. “Bruce‘s leadership and professional network will strengthen the role and visibility of NII as Canada’s leading edge nuclear applied research facility and world leader in advancing nuclear technologies.”
Frank Saunders, who assumed the role of President & CEO of NII since the Institute was launched in May 2018, will move on to focus on leading research for Bruce Power that support advancing new technologies. With decades of experience in the nuclear industry, Frank will continue to provide his industry expertise as the Nuclear Industry Expert on NIIs Board of Directors.
“NII and Bruce Power welcome Bruce and thank Frank for his commitment and dedication to leading NII to date,” said Mike Rencheck. “I look forward to working with Bruce to help the nuclear industry and our communities advance technologies and innovative ideas to solve today’s issues and create a bright future.”
source: media release
