Sir John Sawers

Intelligence and Diplomacy in a Turbulent World

Sir John has had nearly forty years’ worth of experience in diplomacy and intelligence, the pinnacle of his career no doubt being his term as Chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) from 2009 to 2014.

As MI6 Chief, he led the service through a period of international political upheaval and high terrorist threat, including against the 2012 London Olympics.

Prior to leading MI6 he was the UK’s ambassador to the United Nations (2007-2009), political director of the Foreign Office (2003-2007), special representative in Iraq (2003), ambassador to Cairo (2001-2003) and foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair (1999-2001).