Dame Stella Rimington

Former Director-General of MI5, Stella Rimington is a pioneering female boss. The first woman to take to the prestigious role, she defined history and her refreshing leadership carved a new direction for the security service. Since, Rimington has gone on to become a prolific fiction author, inspired by her experiences in the roles, from spy missions to intelligence surveillance. Having held one of the most classified jobs in the world, Rimington now utilises her platform to give the public an insight into the confidential intricacies of protecting the country. As a woman who forged her own path, Rimington’s keynote talks motivate others to inherit her steely ambition in their own lives.

Named Director-General of MI5 in 1992, Rimington, who was the first female to take to the role in history, transformed the way in which the secret service interacted with the public. Formerly the security group were a confidential protector, under the guidance of Rimington they established a rapport with the British people, developing a trust between the two, in large down to her determination to be published in the role. Prior to spearheading MI5, Rimington had worked in all three branches of the Security Service covering: counter espionage, counter terrorism, and counter subversion. A skilled and dutiful member, Rimington dedicated much of her career to MI5 from 1969 until 1996, pushing boundaries for working women, and female leaders, a truly pioneering figure.

Extensively experienced in public and the private sector, Rimington has since acted as the Non-Executive Director for several companies. Businesses like M&S and BG Group have benefited from her dedication, comprehensive knowledge and visionary approach to leadership and strategy, qualities audiences of her talks equally value. Having been appointed Dame Commander of the Order of Bath in 1996, upon her retirement for the Secret Service, Rimington’s status was solidified in history, and her unparalleled career story played out in numerous non-fiction publications, along with her highly regarded autobiography ‘Open Secret...’.

Charismatic, relatable, and often humorous in her delivery, a keynote talk from Rimington is invaluable for all in attendance. Whether a corporate client requires implementable advice from one of the foremost leaders in Britain, or a speaker is required to captivate audiences with a compelling life story, Rimington is perfectly placed for all manner of occasion. Having appeared on the likes of Women’s Hour, spoken at the RSA Conference, InfoSec 2017 and dozens of other events, Stella Rimington’s public profile and illustrious career guarantees a memorable talk.