The first female director of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) has been announced, and will take over the top job next month.
Anne Keast-Butler will be the first woman to lead the agency, which provides intelligence, cyber and security to the government.
Her appointment as the 17th director was confirmed on Tuesday (11 April), and she will succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming, who stood down in January after six years in the role.
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Keast-Butler, who is currently serving as Deputy Director General MI5, will take up her new post in May. Her previous work has included MI5's response to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
The mum-of-three has also worked for GCHQ as Head of Counter Terrorism and Serious Organised Crime, and has held a number of key operational roles in MI5.
Announcing the appointment, the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: "Anne Keast-Butler has an impressive track record working at the heart of the UK’s national security network; helping to counter threats posed by terrorists, cyber-criminals and malign foreign powers.
"She is the ideal candidate to lead GCHQ, and Anne will use her vast experience to help keep the British public safe."
Incoming GCHQ Director, Anne Keast-Butler said: "I am delighted to be appointed as the 17th Director GCHQ. GCHQ’s mission to keep the UK safe is as inspiring today as it was when it was founded more than 100 years ago, operating at the very heart of the UK and our allies’ response to some of the most challenging issues of our time.
"In just the last year GCHQ has contributed vital intelligence to shape the West’s response to the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine; helped disrupt terrorist plots; and worked tirelessly to tackle the ongoing threat of ransomware, the impact of which costs the UK dearly.
"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.
"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."
National Security Adviser, Sir Tim Barrow said: "I am glad to welcome Anne Keast-Butler’s appointment to Director, GCHQ. Anne was an exceptional candidate in a talented field.
"She brings a wealth of experience from across the national security community, has the vision to take GCHQ into the future and will ensure that it continues its vital work to protect the UK.
"I am grateful to Jeremy for his service as Director GCHQ and over a distinguished career in national security. Jeremy's insights and analysis have been hugely valuable through one of the most demanding periods of our recent history."
GCHQ works to keep the country safe, in the real world and online. Focusing on communications: how to access, analyse and – occasionally – disrupt the communications of the UK’s adversaries; and on the nation’s cyber security.
They work with the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), MI5, policing, Defence and a myriad of partners overseas, and in the private sector and academia. For further information about GCHQ visit www.GCHQ.gov.uk
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