The Nuclear Company Strengthens Global Expansion with Appointment of Former Homeland Security Leader Douglas A. Smith
The Nuclear Company, a trailblazer in fleet-scale deployment of nuclear power across the United States and an innovator in modernizing nuclear construction, announced today the appointment of The Honorable Douglas A. Smith, former Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Smith joins the company as Global Head of Public Affairs and Managing Director for the Middle East, a dual role designed to accelerate the company’s growing international presence and expand its engagement with governments, industries, and communities worldwide.
In this capacity, Smith will spearhead The Nuclear Company’s global public affairs strategy while driving business development initiatives across high-growth regions, with an emphasis on the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Both regions are undergoing transformative energy transitions, with nuclear power playing a central role in achieving long-term energy security, economic diversification, and decarbonization goals.
A Strategic Appointment for a Critical Moment in Nuclear Energy
Smith’s appointment comes at a time when nuclear energy is increasingly viewed as a linchpin of the global clean energy transition. Countries across the Middle East—including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt—are scaling up their nuclear programs, not only to provide reliable baseload electricity but also to support industrial development, desalination, and hydrogen production. Similarly, Southeast Asian nations are exploring nuclear as a pathway to reduce dependence on coal and meet surging power demand in rapidly growing economies.
By leveraging his experience in both the public and private sectors, Smith will be instrumental in ensuring that The Nuclear Company becomes a trusted partner in these markets. His portfolio will include forging partnerships with policymakers, regulatory bodies, investors, and private enterprises to advance nuclear deployment and align with national development strategies.
Leadership at the Department of Homeland Security
During his tenure at DHS, Smith became a central figure in strengthening the federal government’s relationship with the business community. As Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector, he was responsible for building robust public-private partnerships that enhanced the nation’s security posture while also facilitating economic growth.
Smith’s leadership emphasized collaboration between government and industry to safeguard critical infrastructure, supply chains, and energy systems. His focus on risk mitigation, global business engagement, and strategic communications has earned him a reputation as a leader who can bridge the gap between policy and practice. These capabilities will now support The Nuclear Company as it expands into new markets where energy security and geopolitical stability are closely intertwined.
The Nuclear Company’s Mission: Reinventing Nuclear Deployment
“The addition of Douglas to our leadership team underscores our commitment to establishing nuclear power as a cornerstone of both U.S. and global clean energy strategies,” said Jason Thompson, President & Chief Financial Officer of The Nuclear Company. “Douglas brings a keen understanding of how America’s historic leadership in nuclear technology is now being challenged, particularly as China continues to outpace the United States in building reactors. His expertise will help us advance our mission of delivering gigawatt-scale nuclear capacity quickly, efficiently, and at lower cost.”
The Nuclear Company has positioned itself as the deployment platform for nuclear power in America, with a mission to tackle the industry’s most persistent challenges: delays, budget overruns, and outdated construction practices.
Harnessing AI to Overcome Industry Barriers
Nuclear energy’s value lies in its ability to provide firm, clean baseload power—something intermittent renewables cannot consistently supply. Yet the sector has long struggled with project execution. Historically, nuclear plants have been plagued by cost overruns and construction delays, eroding investor confidence and slowing global adoption.
To address these hurdles, The Nuclear Company has partnered with Palantir Technologies to develop NOS (Nuclear Operating System), the world’s first AI-driven, real-time software platform dedicated to nuclear construction. NOS applies advanced data analytics, predictive modeling, and digital twin technologies to transform reactor projects into more predictable, transparent, and efficient undertakings.
By digitizing workflows, monitoring performance in real time, and applying predictive insights, NOS aims to shorten construction timelines, enhance safety, and reduce capital expenditure. This system not only represents a breakthrough for The Nuclear Company but also a potential model for the entire industry as nations seek to build fleets of reactors in record time.
Smith’s Career Across Public and Private Sectors
Prior to joining The Nuclear Company, Smith held senior leadership positions in both government and business. Most recently, he served as an executive at Orchard Global, a premier international alternative asset manager. There, he advised on geopolitical risk, regulatory issues, and strategic communications, guiding investment strategies in a world shaped by energy security concerns and shifting geopolitical alliances.
With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Smith’s career reflects a rare blend of government service, private sector expertise, and global business acumen. His work has consistently centered on building partnerships across borders and industries, making him well-suited to lead The Nuclear Company’s growing global operations and its engagement with policymakers and international stakeholders.
A Vision for Global Nuclear Leadership
In accepting his new role, Smith emphasized the urgency of restoring U.S. leadership in the nuclear sector:
“Rebuilding America’s leadership in nuclear power is not just a national security priority—it is a strategic imperative for maintaining our global economic position. The world’s demand for energy is surging, and nuclear offers a proven pathway to provide clean, reliable, and scalable solutions. The Nuclear Company’s bold vision and technology-first approach are exactly what’s needed, both domestically and abroad, to achieve the nuclear renaissance that the world so desperately requires.”
Smith added that he sees The Nuclear Company as uniquely positioned to bridge innovation and deployment, ensuring that the U.S. nuclear industry can meet rising demand while also competing effectively with state-backed programs in China and Russia.
