The chief executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is to retire over the coming year.

NDA chief executive John Clarke

John Clarke took up the post in April 2012 after joining its board as commercial director in 2008. He also served as its business planning director.

“I have been honoured and privileged to lead the NDA and its exceptional people through some major changes,” said Clarke. “It’s a demanding role and now is the time to hand the reins to someone who can take the organisation through the next phase of its development over the next five years.”

NDA chairman Stephen Henwood said: “John has made a major contribution to the NDA and its mission to safely clean up the UK’s nuclear legacy.

“Through his leadership, drive and commitment, John has improved performance at Sellafield with a new operating model, delivered an integrated approach to accelerating decommissioning across the estate and created an optimised strategy, resulting in increased value to the taxpayer.”

At end of July the High Court found that the NDA had “fudged” and “manipulated” the tender process for a £7 billion contract to decommission 12 nuclear sites. The case was brought forward in 2014 by Energy Solutions – a member of the consortium which held the previous contract but was subequently replaced. The court has yet to decide on an appropriate level of compensation.  

Members of the two other consortia which lost out are also considering legal action, the Times has reported.