Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) stock fell more than 8% in pre-market trading on Tuesday after the company announced an expansion of its board with seasoned energy and finance veterans.
Oklo, the advanced nuclear technology company, has appointed Daniel Poneman and Michael Thompson to its Board of Directors following the departure of Chris Wright, who was confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Energy.
Oklo Co-Founders Welcome New Board Members
“We welcome Daniel and Michael to our Board of Directors,” said Oklo Co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte. “Their extensive experience and passion for our mission will be helpful as we work to advance the large-scale deployment of Oklo Aurora powerhouses, nuclear fuel recycling, and the development of our radioisotope production facilities.”
Caroline Cochran, Co-Founder and COO of Oklo, emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in meeting global energy demands, adding, “We are developing advanced fission technologies to deliver on its potential, and the expertise of Daniel and Michael will help us achieve our goals.”
Industry Leaders Bring Decades of Expertise
Poneman and Thompson’s appointments bring valuable expertise to Oklo’s leadership team. Poneman, brings decades of experience in the U.S. nuclear industry, having served as Deputy Secretary of Energy from 2009 to 2014. He then became President and CEO of Centrus Energy Corp. from 2015 to 2023, where he led the launch of the first U.S.-technology-enabled domestic uranium enrichment production since 1954.
Thompson has over 25 years of experience in technology investing and advising. Since 2017, he has served as the CEO and Managing Partner of Reinvent Capital. Previously, he founded and managed BHR-Capital, a New York-based hedge fund.
Strategic Committee Roles and Board Contribution
Poneman and Thompson will contribute their expertise to key committees within Oklo (NYSE: OKLO). Poneman will join the Nominating & Governance Committee, while Thompson will take a seat on the Audit Committee. Their experience will help guide Oklo’s efforts as the company accelerates the development of its Aurora powerhouses, nuclear fuel recycling projects, and radioisotope production facilities.
