A top MI5 agent who led the security service’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been announced as the new head of GCHQ.
Anne Keast-Butler will replace Sir Jeremy Fleming as director of Government Communications Headquarters next month, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly confirmed today.
Ms Keast-Butler is currently Deputy Director General of MI5 and was responsible for ‘preparation for and response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine’.
She was previously seconded to the Cheltenham-based intelligence service as its Head of Counter Terrorism and Serious Organised Crime.
While there she played a role in launching the National Cyber Security Programme.
GCHQ said that in her 30-year career she had held ‘key operational roles’ in intelligence.
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Ms Keast-Butler is currently Deputy Director General of MI5 and was responsible for ‘preparation for and response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine’.
She will replace Sir Jeremy Fleming as director of Government Communications Headquarters next month
Mr Cleverly said: ‘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.
‘She is the ideal candidate to lead GCHQ, and Anne will use her vast experience to help keep the British public safe.’
