Ismael Yabda serves as Vice President of Business Development for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), bringing 20 years of experience in nuclear safety, licensing, regulatory strategy, and new-build feasibility across some of the world’s most complex nuclear projects. Mr. Yabda brings rare global reach and cultural fluency to every client engagement, advising governments, Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organizations (NEPIOs), and regulatory bodies on technology selection, compliance strategies, and regulatory frameworks for both SMRs and large NPPs. Mr. Yabda’s project portfolio spans Gen III+ reactor technologies including the AP1000, EPR, CAP1400, and APR1400, with landmark engagements including Head of Licensing for the Sinop Nuclear Project in Turkey (4-unit NPP), Project Manager for KACARE’s first NPP siting and feasibility study in Saudi Arabia, CAP1400 due diligence for Turkey, Periodic Safety Reviews for Belgium’s Doel and Tihange fleet, and regulatory support for the Moorside AP1000 project in the UK. At EXCEL, he leads EMEA business development while advising clients on SMR and large NPP deployment, PSR and LTO strategy, and regulatory framework optimization.  Ask Ismael about: Business development (EMEA), licensing & regulatory strategy, new-build feasibility studies, technology selection, site characterization & external hazard assessment, SMR & large NPP deployment, EPC & vendor negotiations, stakeholder & government engagement

Jim Andersen brings 34 years of progressive nuclear safety and security regulatory experience spanning cyber security, physical security, licensing, inspection, and rulemaking. At EXCEL, Mr. Andersen leads client engagements focused on the design, implementation, and evaluation of physical and cyber security protection systems — including independent self-assessments, NRC inspection preparation, corrective action review, and long-term business strategy development. Prior to joining EXCEL, Mr. Andersen held a distinguished career at the U.S. NRC, rising to the Senior Executive Service level and serving in a series of high-impact leadership roles including Division Director of Physical and Cyber Security Policy, Director of the Cyber Security Directorate, and Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response. He also served as a U.S. Navy officer on active duty and in the Naval Reserve, including as a Sonar and Electrical Officer aboard USS Pittsburgh (SSN-720) and as a Naval Analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency. Ask Jim about: cyber security policy & oversight, physical security programs, nuclear licensing & regulatory affairs, Reactor Oversight Process (ROP), emergency preparedness & response, fuel cycle safety & safeguards, NRC inspection & compliance, rulemaking & policy development, strategic planning & business development, senior executive leadership