Sir Andrew Parker

Sir Andrew Parker (born 1962) joined MI5 in 1983 and, before becoming Director General, amassed a 30-year career in a wide range of national security and intelligence roles. He completed postings in the fields of international terrorism, counter-espionage, Northern Ireland terrorism, serious and organised crime, protective security and policy. He also completed a liaison posting in the United States in 1991.

He spent three years on secondment to HM Customs & Excise as Director Intelligence before returning to MI5 in 2002 to join the Board as Director for Northern Ireland terrorism, Protective Security and Serious Crime. He was appointed Director International Terrorism in February 2005. Sir Andrew led MI5's response to the 2005 terrorist attacks in London, overseeing the significant expansion in counter-terrorism capability and the development of MI5's regional network. In 2006, his teams played the lead role in the disruption of Al Qaida's attempt to attack multiple airliners with bombs hidden in drinks bottles.

Sir Andrew was appointed Deputy Director General of the Security Service in April 2007, and succeeded Sir Jonathan Evans as Director General in April 2013.