Anne Keast-Butler will change into the primary feminine director of GCHQ, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly mentioned.

She will succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming because the seventeenth director of the Cheltenham based mostly intelligence company.

Mr Cleverly mentioned: "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 perfect candidate to steer GCHQ, and Anne will use her huge expertise to assist maintain the British public protected."

The appointment was made following a cross-government recruitment course of chaired by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case.

Ms Keast-Butler mentioned: "I am delighted to be appointed as the 17th director of GCHQ.

"GCHQ's mission to maintain the UK protected is as inspiring at this time because it was when it was based greater than 100 years in the past, working on the very coronary heart of the UK and our allies' response to a number of the most difficult problems with 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 used to be privileged to work in GCHQ just a few years in the past, so I do know I'm once more becoming a member of a world-class workforce of individuals from various backgrounds with a broad vary of expertise, who share a singular concentrate on making our nation safer, safer, and extra affluent.

"I am passionate about continuing to ensure that GCHQ is an organisation where everyone can perform to their very best."

Outgoing director Sir Jeremy, who introduced his intention to step down in January, mentioned: "Anne's appointment is fantastic news for the organisation.

"I've labored with Anne for many years and suppose she is an excellent selection with deep expertise of intelligence and safety in at this time's technology-driven world."

Content Source: information.sky.com