Seoul: Hyundai Engineering and Construction (E and C) Co. announced its strategic move to enhance its presence in the global nuclear power market by hiring a prominent expert from the United States. The South Korean construction giant revealed the appointment of Michael Coon, the former vice president at Westinghouse Electric Co., to spearhead nuclear technology and business development at its U.S. subsidiary.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Coon brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Westinghouse and ABB Combustion Engineering, where he was involved in nuclear plant projects and managed design, equipment procurement, and project execution. His new role at Hyundai E and C will involve leading global large-scale nuclear and small modular reactor (SMR) projects, offering technical and regulatory consulting, and enhancing collaboration with the U.S. government and industry stakeholders.

Coon's impressive portfolio includes leading a nuclear plant project in the United Arab Emirates, where he oversaw all phases from engineering and procurement to project management and establishing local operations. His familiarity with the South Korean nuclear industry is marked by his involvement in design, licensing, and construction support for significant domestic reactors, including Hanbit reactors 3-6, Hanul reactors 3-4, and Shin Hanul reactors 1-2.

Hyundai E and C anticipates that Coon's leadership will not only strengthen their position in North America but also accelerate their expansion into the broader global nuclear power markets.