(Wilmington, N.C.) GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) recently appointed Ruth Ravitz Smith as its senior vice president of global government relations. In her newly created position, Smith is responsible for leading GEH’s interactions with governments around the world, enhancing their understanding of the company‘s role as a global leader in nuclear energy technology for more than 50 years.

“As the U.S. and a growing number of countries begin to evaluate the regulatory and financial issues involved with building new reactors, Ruth will help guide the expansion of our global business activities,” said Jack Fuller, president and CEO of GEH. “With more than 25 years of government relations experience, including in the energy industry, she will play a vital role in raising government awareness of our capabilities, priorities and industry concerns.”

Previously, Smith served as vice president of government affairs for power and transport technology provider Alstom, coordinating the company’s relationships with federal, state and provincial policymakers in the United States and Canada.

Prior to joining Alstom, Smith was a principal in the government law and strategies practice at Brown Rudnick in Washington, D.C. While at Brown Rudnick, Smith represented The Travelers; Harley-Davidson Financial Services; Toyota Motor North America; Idaho Power; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; and numerous other industrial companies, associations and non-profit organizations.

Smith also led the federal government relations efforts for The Travelers Companies, Inc., Northeast Utilities and also worked for the Aerospace Industries Association. Additionally, Smith ran the Washington, D.C. office of the state of Connecticut and worked on the staff in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“As governments around the world look to nuclear energy as a source for clean electricity, energy independence and the creation of new jobs, I am excited to help raise awareness of GEH’s activities, including our efforts to build new reactors, advance spent fuel recycling technology and create next-generation laser uranium enrichment,” Smith said.

Based in Wilmington, N.C., GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) is a world-leading provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services. Established in June 2007, GEH is a global nuclear alliance created by GE and Hitachi to serve the global nuclear industry. The nuclear alliance executes a single, strategic vision to create a broader portfolio of solutions, expanding its capabilities for new reactor and service opportunities. The alliance offers customers around the world the technological leadership required to effectively enhance reactor performance, power output and safety.