X-energy Announces Planned Retirement of TRISO-X President Joel Duling

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- X-Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: XE) (“X-energy” or “the Company”), a leading developer of advanced nuclear reactors and fuel technology, today announced that Joel Duling will retire from full-time executive leadership as president of TRISO-X, its wholly-owned nuclear fuels subsidiary, effective November 20, 2026. After more than four decades of exemplary leadership across nuclear operations, manufacturing, and program management, including leading TRISO-X through several significant milestones in its commercial development and construction, Duling has decided to step back from day-to-day leadership responsibilities to devote more time to his health, family, and personal priorities.

Duling will remain a part-time employee of X-energy as a senior advisor to Chief Executive Officer J. Clay Sell, supporting the company’s strategic fuel partnerships and fuel supply chain development, as well as the transition to the next president of TRISO-X. Following Duling’s transition, Jason Hatfield, TRISO-X vice president and chief of staff, will assume interim leadership of TRISO-X, while X-energy’s Global Chief Operating Officer Dragan Popovic will continue to provide integration and oversight of the construction of the TX-1 fuel fabrication facility as part of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The Company is in the process of evaluating internal and external candidates for a permanent successor.