Woman behind MI5’s response to Ukraine invasion to be GCHQ’s first female director

A woman will become the boss of GCHQ for the first time in its more than 100-year history next month.

Anne Keast-Butler has been appointed to succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming as the next head of the UK’s intelligence, security and cyber agency.

Ms Keast-Butler is currently deputy director-general at MI5, where she has been responsible for the security service’s operational, investigative and protective security work, including its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Ms Keast-Butler said she is “delighted” to have been appointed to the role at GCHQ.

She added: “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.”

‘Can’t wait to get started’

“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.”