Why it matters: The leadership change comes as 2,000 people now work on site at Leiston, with equipment manufacture well advanced following the completion of £5.5 billion in financing in November.
The details: Cann, who has jointly led the company alongside Pyke since 2023, brings 45 years of nuclear power experience to the sole CEO role. He has served as plant manager at Dungeness B and Sizewell B, station director at Hinkley Point B, and delivery director at Hinkley Point C until March 2023.
Pyke joined Sizewell C in 2017 from law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and secured the project's Final Investment Decision. She led the project through the financing phase, achieving investment-grade credit ratings from Moody's, S&P and Fitch, and oversaw the first-ever private sector financing for new nuclear at this scale.
What they're saying: "It has been an enormous privilege to have taken Sizewell C from a bold vision to become an independent, financed company building 7% of the UK's electricity under majority British ownership," Pyke said.
"My intention has always been to hand over the main construction of Sizewell C and, as the construction phase begins, I'm delighted to see my colleague of the last three years take on that crucial role."
Cann said: "Julia's contribution to Sizewell C and to the UK's new nuclear programme has been transformational, and I feel privileged to have been part of the journey. My ambition for Sizewell C is to lead the way on nuclear by leaving a lasting legacy of clean energy, homegrown skills, and national pride."
Suffolk County Council acknowledged Pyke's work with local communities and called on the new leadership to maintain positive relationships with Suffolk residents and businesses.
Councillor Richard Rout said: "Despite the very mixed views about the scheme locally and often strong local opposition, Julia's commitment to doing right by local communities, was one of the most positive assets to the Sizewell C project. My message to Sizewell C is to maintain this legacy – do not row back on the positive relationships and goodwill that has been built up to this point."
The big picture: The two-reactor facility is expected to provide power for six million homes for at least 60 years once completed in the late 2030s or early 2040s. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs across Suffolk during its 12-year construction period.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband thanked Pyke for her leadership and said he looked forward to working with Cann as the project enters its next phase.
The bottom line: As Sizewell C moves from securing finance to building one of Britain's largest infrastructure projects, the leadership transition brings operational expertise to guide construction that will reshape Suffolk's economy for more than a decade.
