Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) boss Mike Burgess will replace spy chief Duncan Lewis following his retirement from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

Key points: Australia's foreign surveillance boss Mike Burgess will become the nation's spy chief

Australia's foreign surveillance boss Mike Burgess will become the nation's spy chief He replaces outgoing director-general Duncan Lewis after five years leading ASIO

He replaces outgoing director-general Duncan Lewis after five years leading ASIO Mr Burgess said he comes to the job as Australia continues to face "serious threats"

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton announced the appointment and dubbed Mr Burgess the ideal replacement for Mr Lewis.

He said Mr Burgess was one of the most respected people in the intelligence community.

"His private sector experience puts him in good stead to take up this position," Mr Dutton said.

Mr Burgess returned to the ASD, the organisation tasked with surveilling international threats to Australia, in 2017 after a stint in charge of IT security for Telstra.

It is the second major security appointment within weeks for the Federal Government, following the retirement of Australian Federal Police boss Andrew Colvin.

Like Commissioner Colvin, Mr Lewis opted against seeking another five-year term to continue to lead ASIO.

Duncan Lewis retires as the director-general of ASIO after five years in the role. ( ABC News: Marco Catalano )

Mr Lewis, a former Major General in the Army, previously served as Australia's ambassador to NATO and led the Department of Defence.

Mr Burgess first joined Australia's intelligence community 24 years ago after spotting an ad in a newspaper.

"When I rang the number listed all I got was a 'hello'. I responded with my 'hello' then after a short pause, all I got was a 'hello'," he said.

"That was my introduction to the world of intelligence and security.

"A lot has changed in the last 24 years, but a lot hasn't.

"ASIO performs incredible work protecting Australia from serious threats. And those threats are very real."

Mr Burgess will start in the new role on September 15.