“Jeremy Fleming is a dedicated public servant whose work over two decades in the intelligence services has helped to keep our country safe. I congratulate Jeremy on his appointment as Director of GCHQ at an important time for the service. I know that he will continue the excellent work of Robert Hannigan in leading this outstanding organisation, when the skill and ingenuity of the UK intelligence community are critical to defending Britain from cyber-attacks, terror plots and other activities that threaten us and our allies.” Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson

March 20 2017 — Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has announced that Jeremy Fleming has been appointed to succeed Robert Hannigan as Director GCHQ, with the agreement of the Prime Minister. Follow us on Twitter: @Intel_Today

Jeremy Fleming has been Deputy Director General of MI5 since 2013. He will succeed Robert Hannigan, who announced unexpectedly in January his decision to step down once a successor was in place. Jeremy Fleming will take up his post around Easter.

New GCHQ Director — Jeremy Fleming

“It is a great privilege to be asked to lead GCHQ. The organisation has a distinguished past and an increasingly important role to play in keeping Britain safe in the digital age.” “From managing cyber risks posed by nation states to preventing terror attacks, keeping our children safe online and supporting our Armed Forces, the exceptional men and women of GCHQ operate on the new frontline of global challenges.” “I’d like to pay tribute to Robert Hannigan, who over the last few years has led GCHQ through the transformation of some of our most important national security capabilities.” “I look forward to building on his legacy and in particular, the role he has played in increasing the transparency of GCHQ’s crucial work and in expanding its cyber mission through the work of the National Cyber Security Centre.”

National Security Adviser Sir Mark Lyall Grant

National Security Adviser Sir Mark Lyall Grant — who chaired the recruitment process — said “Fleming emerged from a strong and competitive field as the outstanding candidate to become the next Director, GCHQ.”

“Fleming is a national security professional of the highest standard, who is widely respected across the national security community, in the UK and overseas.”

Sir Grant also thanked Robert Hannigan for “his excellent leadership of GCHQ over the last three years, including for the important role he played in preparations for the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act and in the setting up of the National Cyber Security Centre.”

Outgoing GCHQ Director, Robert Hannigan said that he was delighted that the Foreign Secretary has appointed Jeremy Fleming to be the new Director.

“I’ve known Jeremy for many years and he is a good friend and colleague. He comes with deep intelligence experience and expertise.”

Jeremy Fleming biography

Cameras Film Inside GCHQ For The First Time

REFERENCES

Foreign Secretary appoints new Director GCHQ — Official website

GCHQ appoints MI5’s Jeremy Fleming as director — Guardian

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UK — Jeremy Fleming is to succeed Robert Hannigan as GCHQ new Director