Adrian Bird CB has been appointed as the new Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) and head of the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO). He will take up the role on 3 July.
He will succeed Dame Madeleine Alessandri DCB, CMG, who is stepping down after three years in the post.
Bird is currently Chief of Defence Intelligence at the Ministry of Defence and has previously held senior roles at Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
In his new role, he will lead the JIO’s multidisciplinary team of expert officials, which provides real-time security and risk assessments, as well as advice to Ministers and the Prime Minister. The organisation also supports the development of government policy designed to protect the UK’s national security interests.
Dame Antonia Romeo Comments:
Dame Antonia Romeo, Cabinet Secretary, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Bird to this crucial role at this critical time for the country. Adrian’s extensive national security experience at the MoD and GCHQ make him an excellent fit to lead the dedicated security officials in the JIO, and to provide expert advice to the Prime Minister to keep the UK safe and secure.
“I would also like to thank Madeleine Alessandri for her brilliant leadership as JIC Chair over the last three years, and her contribution to the wider Civil Service leadership, and to wish her well in her retirement.”
Commenting on his appointment, Adrian Bird said: “It is an honour to be appointed as the new Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee. I am delighted to be joining the JIO team and to have an opportunity to lead the UK’s professional intelligence assessment community, and to work closely with our trusted partners to deal with the national security challenges of today and tomorrow.
“I would like to thank Dame Madeleine Alessandri for her excellent leadership of the JIO. I know she leaves the organisation in a strong position. I look forward to building on this and working with the team to meet future challenges. I wish Madeleine a well-deserved retirement.”
Dame Madeleine Alessandri Comments:
Dame Madeleine Alessandri said: “The Joint Intelligence Committee continues to play a vital role in the security of the United Kingdom. Amid unprecedented volatility in geopolitics and exponential advances in technology, clear-eyed assessment to reduce uncertainty for policymakers at moments of critical decision has never been more important.
“It has been a privilege to chair the Committee. It has also been an honour to work with the brilliant people across the breadth of the UK national security system who enable assessments that are rigorous, impartial and relevant to the challenges we face as a country.
“I am delighted that Adrian has been chosen to take on this extraordinary role at an extraordinary moment in our 90-year history.”
