Stella Rimington

Dame Stella Rimington is best known for her role as the former Director-General (DG) of MI5 – the first woman to ever take the prestigious role and the first DG to have their name released to the public. Stella was responsible for overseeing a public relations campaign to improve the relationship the MI5 had with the British public, she redefined the way the MI5 was viewed in the public’s eyes. Having held one of the most secretive positions in the world, Stella can now be hired as a speaker and shares her experiences in the service and motivates others to aspire to reach the top.

Remarkably, Stella’s career within the MI5 happened completely by chance; one day, whilst in India, Stella got a tap on the shoulder asking if she would want to become a typist in the service. Upon returning to the UK with her husband in 1969, Stella decided to apply for a permanent position at MI5 and so started her incredible career. Between 1969 and 1990 Stella has worked in all three branches of the service: counter terrorism, counter espionage and counter subversion. Stella held numerous important positions throughout her time in MI5 such as the Assistant Director of the Inter-departmental Group on Subversion and two Deputy Director Positions. It was on a return trip from Moscow in 1991 when Stella found out she would be the next Director General for MI5.

Upon retiring from the secret service in 1996, Stella has held numerous non-executive director roles for the likes of Marks & Spencer and the BG Group. These companies have benefitted from Stella’s wealth of experience as a woman at the forefront of one of the most important companies in the world, and from her visionary approach to leadership and strategy. Stella was also appointed Dame Commander of the Order of Bath in 1996 which has cemented her name in her history. From a rich career which lasted 30 years in the Secret Service, there is no wonder Stella has become a published author of 11 spy fiction books and released her revelatory biography ‘Open Secret’ in 2001.

In recognition of her support for the openness of working in the secret service agencies, in 2009 Stella received an Honorary Doctorate in Social Science from Nottingham Trent University and in 2011, she served as a judge for the Man Brooker Prize. Having appeared on ‘Women’s Hour’ and having spoken at numerous events such as ‘RSA Conference’ and ‘InfoSec 2017’, Stella is perfectly equipped to share her tips and tricks on leadership strategy and change, and encourages other women to aim for the top in their professional careers. The inspiration behind the casting of Dame Judi Dench as ‘M’, when looking for advice from one of the most important leaders in Britain, look no further than Stella Rimington to hire at your next event.