Ken McCallum
Ken McCallum (born Kenneth Douglas McCallum) is a Scottish civil servant, appointed as the 18th head of the United Kingdom's MI5 Security Service.
Ken McCallum | |
|---|---|
 Ken McCallum, 2020 | |
| Born | Kenneth Douglas McCallum |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Occupation | Intelligence officer |
| Espionage activity | |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Agency | Security Service (MI5) |
| Rank | Director General |
Early life and education
Born, raised and educated in Glasgow, McCallum attended a state school, after which he read mathematics at Glasgow University graduating with a First Class Honours Degree in 1996.[1][2]
Professional life
McCallum has been an officer at MI5 for over two decades, including service focused on Northern Ireland-related terrorism, and leading counter terrorism investigations during the London 2012 Olympic Games.[3] He was appointed Deputy Director General of MI5 in April 2017.[2]
In 2018, McCallum took charge of the MI5 response to the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal.[4]
He succeeded Sir Andrew Parker as Director General designate of MI5 in April 2020.[5][3]
References
- "The following are expected to graduate today from Glasgow University". www.HeraldScotland.com. Glasgow Herald. 9 July 1996. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
- "New Director General of MI5 appointed". www.MI5.gov.uk. MI5. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- "Ken McCallum appointed new MI5 boss". www.BBC.co.uk. BBC News. 30 March 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
- "New MI5 chief will be state‑school Scot who ran Skripal investigation". www.TheTimes.co.uk. The Times. 30 March 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- "Appointment of the new Director General of the Security Service". www.GOV.uk. GOV.uk. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Sir Andrew Parker |
Director General of MI5 2020– |
Followed by incumbent |