The chief executive of EDF Energy is stepping down, it has been announced.

Vincent de Rivaz, 63, will stand down from the high-profile position on October 31 after 15 years with the Barnwood-based company.

As CEO, he has been a driving force behind the plans to build the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Somerset.

The qualified hydro-electric engineer will be succeeded by Simon Rossi, currently the EDF Group senior executive vice-president.

Mr De Rivaz (pictured) was the CEO of London Electricity Group, which merged with Seeboard and the Eastern Network to become EDF Energy in 2003.

It has not been disclosed why Mr De Rivaz is stepping down.