THE man at the head of AWE is stepping down after just four years in the role.

Dr Andrew Jupp has spent nearly three decades working for the nuclear weapons organisation, and was appointed as managing director in late 2010.

Dr Jupp joined the company as a health physicist in 1985 and went on to become part of the executive leadership team.

A statement from AWE said Dr Jupp was stepping down “after discussions with the board reviewing the future leadership and direction of the organisation.”

John McLachlan, chairman AWEML, said: “Andrew’s passion and commitment to the organisation and its mission has been unwavering from his first appointment as a Health Physicist in 1985.

“Andrew embodied the behaviours that under-pin AWE’s values and ethics today, including those of safety and security of all employees and the local community.

“We wish him well and hope he will continue to support our mission and maintain the friendships he has established over his time with AWE.”

Dr Jupp said: “It has been a privilege and honour to have been part of AWE and to have worked with so many great people on a truly important mission and programme.

“I would like to thank you all for your dedication, commitment and support over the past years. I wish each of you, and the whole of AWE, the best for the future.”

Whilst the search for Dr Jupp’s successor is underway, Rob Fletcher, previously director, commercial, has been appointed acting managing director.