GCHQ will appoint its first female director, with MI5 chief Anne Keast-Butler set to succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming next month, according to James Cleverly.
Ms. Keast-Butler, who is currently the Deputy Director General of MI5, will be the first woman to hold the position at Britain’s intelligence agency.
Mr. Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, announced the appointment, citing Ms. Keast-Butler’s “vast experience,” which includes 30 years in national security, including a previous role with GCHQ.
She will succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming, who announced his resignation in January after six years in the role. Ms. Keast-Butler will begin her new position in May, following approval from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Foreign Secretary Liam Fox said the new director’s “impressive track record” in countering terrorist and cyber criminal threats made her the “ideal candidate” to keep Britain safe.
‘I can’t wait to get started
“I am delighted to be appointed as the 17th Director GCHQ,” Ms. Keast Butler said. GCHQ’s mission to keep the UK safe is as inspiring today as it was when it was founded more than a century ago, operating at the very heart of the UK and our allies’ response to some of our time’s most difficult issues.
“In the last year, GCHQ has provided critical intelligence to shape the West’s response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine; assisted in the disruption of terrorist plots; and worked tirelessly to combat the ongoing threat of ransomware, the impact of which costs the UK dearly.”
“I had the privilege of working in GCHQ a few years ago, so I know I am rejoining a world-class team of people from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of skills, all with a singular focus on making our country safer, more secure, and more prosperous.” I’m excited to get started.”
Ms. Keast-Butler, as MI5 Deputy Director General, is in charge of shaping the security service’s preparations and response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Previously, she spent two years on secondment to GCHQ as head of the counter-terrorism and serious organized crime, and while in Whitehall, she helped launch the National Cyber Security Programme.
‘Ideal candidate’ to keep Britain safe
“Anne Keast-Butler has an impressive track record at the heart of the UK’s national security network, helping to counter threats posed by terrorists, cyber-criminals, and malign foreign powers,” James Cleverly said in announcing the appointment.
“She is the ideal candidate to lead GCHQ, and Anne will use her extensive experience to keep the British people safe.”
Sir Jeremy Fleming, the outgoing Director of GCHQ, stated, “Anne’s appointment is fantastic news for the organization.”
“I have known Anne for decades and believe she is a brilliant choice with extensive intelligence and security experience in today’s technology-driven world.”
