PITTSBURGH, December 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Rita Bowser has been appointed vice president, UK AP1000(TM) Projects. Responsible for directing the AP1000(TM) program in the United Kingdom, Dr. Bowser's responsibilities will expand to include leadership of other AP1000(TM) projects throughout the European Union as opportunities there continue to develop.

Rita will lead the Westinghouse delivery team as negotiations and activities continue with our customers and our construction partners, said Ric Perez, senior vice president, Nuclear Power Plants. She will be working to ensure alignment among the commercial and regional functions, build on the significant capability that exists in Westinghouse UK, and address the customer's desire for significant localization.

Westinghouse recently completed the response to a Request for Information to supply multiple AP1000(TM) units in the United Kingdom (UK). The selection process is being led by Horizon Nuclear Power Ltd., a Joint Venture of E.ON and RWE.

Dr. Bowser comes to this position from her current role as regional vice president, South Africa, where her responsibilities included the management of Westinghouse's business interests in South Africa. She also serves on the Westinghouse European South African Leadership Council. Prior to her assignment in South Africa, Dr. Bowser served as the vice president for Strategy and Business Development for European Fuel, and as President and CEO of BNFL Fuel Solutions. Her career includes work on spent fuel and decommissioning programs across the globe, including working more than a decade at the Rancho Seco Nuclear Plant in roles of increasing responsibility in plant operations and radiation protection.

Dr. Bowser received a B.S. degree from Clarion University, M.S.M.E. from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a D.B.A. from American University of London. She will report to Ric Perez, senior vice president, Nuclear Power Plants, and will be transitioning to her new role while continuing to execute her responsibilities in South Africa until her replacement is named.

Headquartered in Cranberry Township, PA, Westinghouse offers a wide range of nuclear plant products and services to utilities around the world, including fuel, spent fuel management, service and maintenance, instrumentation and control, and advanced nuclear plant designs. Westinghouse supplied the world's first commercial nuclear power plant in 1957 and has designed the world's largest installed base of operating nuclear power plants.

SOURCE: Westinghouse Electric Company

CONTACT: Vaughn Gilbert of Westinghouse, +1-412-374-3896,gilberhv@westinghouse.com