A woman will become the boss of GCHQ for the first time in its more than 100-year history when the current director steps down next month.
The foreign secretary, James Cleverly, announced that Anne Keast-Butler has been appointed to succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming as head of the government’s intelligence organisation.
Keast-Butler, currently MI5’s deputy director general, will take up the role in May when Fleming leaves after six years, making her the security agency’s 17th leader since its inception.
She said she was “delighted” to be appointed, adding that GCHQ’s mission was “as inspiring today as it was when it was founded”.
“I was privileged to work in GCHQ a few years ago, so I know I am again joining a world-class team of people from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of skills, who share a singular focus on making our country safer, more secure, and more prosperous,” she said.
“I am passionate about continuing to ensure that GCHQ is an organisation where everyone can perform to their very best.
“I am so grateful for the vision and dedication Sir Jeremy Fleming has shown during his tenure, and the ways in which GCHQ has transformed under his leadership.
“I look forward to building on this in the months and years to come. I can’t wait to get started.”
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