Since 2015, Dr Bernard Bigot has been Director-General of the ITER Organization. Dr. Bigot has been associated with ITER since France’s bid to host the project in 2003. Before his formal ITER appointment he served two terms (2009-2015) as Chairman and CEO of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), and earlier served as France's High Commissioner for atomic energy. He is a high-ranking university professor, holding France’s highest-level teaching diploma in physical science and a PhD in chemistry, having authored more than 70 publications in theoretical chemistry. Among other awards, Bernard Bigot is a Commander in the French Order of the Legion of Honour.