# Zabrina Johal

> Zabrina Johal is the chief executive of Zap Energy, where she is leading a strategy that develops compact fission, fusion and hybrid nuclear systems together. Raised in Billings, Montana, she studied physics and chemistry at Santa Clara University, became a U.S. Navy nuclear propulsion officer aboard the USS Carl Vinson, spent 19 years at General Atomics, led a $2.2 billion nuclear portfolio at AtkinsRéalis and joined Zap as CEO in April 2026.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at Zap Energy
- **Organizations:** Zap Energy, National Center for Energy Analytics, Nuclear Energy Institute, AtkinsRéalis, General Atomics, United States Navy
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in physics and chemistry, Santa Clara University, Nuclear power training, Naval Nuclear Power School and Prototype Training, Master of Science in engineering management, Old Dominion University, Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in commercial real estate, University of San Diego, Knauss School of Business, Doctor of Philosophy in organizational leadership, University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences
- **Known for:** Operated naval nuclear propulsion systems aboard the USS Carl Vinson., Built a 19-year career at General Atomics spanning nuclear technology, strategic development and advanced programs., Led strategy and commercial work across a $2.2 billion nuclear portfolio at AtkinsRéalis.

## Career timeline

- **Early life** — Grew up in Billings, Montana, with wilderness close by and limited exposure to science and engineering careers.
- **College** — Studied physics and chemistry at Santa Clara University; a study-abroad experience broadened her view before Navy recruitment changed her professional direction.
- **Before 2006** — Served as a U.S. Navy strike officer and nuclear propulsion officer aboard the USS Carl Vinson during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
- **2006** — Left the Navy and joined the active fission program at General Atomics.
- **2008** — Joined a General Atomics team challenged to design a more cost-effective nuclear reactor.
- **2018-2025** — Advanced through business development and strategic development leadership at General Atomics, working across fission, fusion, defense and advanced technologies during a 19-year tenure.
- **2025** — Became senior vice president for nuclear strategy and commercial at AtkinsRéalis, with responsibility across a $2.2 billion nuclear portfolio; elected to the Nuclear Energy Institute board.
- **2026** — Appointed chief executive officer of Zap Energy as the company adopted an integrated fission-and-fusion strategy.

## Achievements

- Operated naval nuclear propulsion systems aboard the USS Carl Vinson.
- Built a 19-year career at General Atomics spanning nuclear technology, strategic development and advanced programs.
- Led strategy and commercial work across a $2.2 billion nuclear portfolio at AtkinsRéalis.
- Was elected to the Nuclear Energy Institute board of directors in May 2025.
- Completed doctoral research in organizational leadership focused on leadership, strategy and innovation in highly regulated sectors.
- Became CEO of Zap Energy in April 2026, leading its combined fission, fusion and hybrid platform strategy.

## Latest updates

- **2026-04** — Appointed chief executive officer of Zap Energy; cofounder Benj Conway moved to president.
- **2026-04** — Introduced Zap Energy's integrated platform strategy developing compact fission, Z-pinch fusion and hybrid technologies in parallel.
- **2025-05** — Elected to the Nuclear Energy Institute board of directors while serving at AtkinsRéalis.
- **2025-04** — Joined AtkinsRéalis as senior vice president for nuclear strategy and commercial after 19 years at General Atomics.

## Links

- Website: https://www.zapenergy.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zabrinajohal
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/JohalZabrina

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/zabrina-johal
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-27