Chris Philipsborn is a former head of European corporate affairs at BT Group. Most recently, he was Europe director for Austrian-based think-tank Salzburg Global Seminar.
At Sellafield, he takes charge of a team of 50, but his role may change once a new operator is brought in in 2009.
His role will encompass media relations, public affairs, CSR, customer relations and development.
Philipsborn replaces Bill Anderton, who has now retired.