Dame Stella Rimington DCB is the former Director General of the Security Service (MI5). She has published several acclaimed novels and a best-selling autobiography, “Open Secret” (Arrow, 2002).
She joined the Security Service in 1969 as a full time employee. An expert on managing risk, she worked in counter subversion, counter espionage and counter terrorism, becoming successively director of all three branches.
Dame Stella Rimington was appointed Director General of MI5 in 1992, the first woman to hold the post and the first Director General to be publicly named. During her time as Director General she pursued a policy of greater openness for MI5, giving the 1994 Dimbleby Lecture on BBC TV and several other public lectures, and publishing a booklet about the Service.
Retiring from MI5 in April 1996, Dame Stella Rimington went on to write novels that blended issues of terrorism, risk, class and gender. “At Risk” (Arrow, 2004) mixes East End gangsters, hierarchy and the role of women in government organisations; “Secret Asset” (Arrow, 2006) plots the task of an MI5 intelligence officer in the search for a terrorist bent on bringing down the British establishment.
Her most recent novels are “Rip Tide” (2012) and “The Geneva Trap” (2013). “Close Call” (the 8th novel about her principal character, Liz Carlyle) will be published in July this year.
Dame Stella is currently an Associate Director of CPS, where she does executive coaching and mentoring. In 2011, she served as Chair of the judging panel for the Booker Prize for Fiction.
During her career at MI5, from 1969-1996, Rimington worked in all the main fields of the Service’s responsibilities – counter-subversion, counter-espionage and counter-terrorism – and became Director of all three Branches. She led the Service’s counter-espionage work in the closing days of the Cold War when the intelligence services of the Soviet Union and her Warsaw pact allies were engaged in a strong assault on Britain’s secrets.
As the Cold War drew to a close, Dame Stella Rimington led a delegation from the Service to establish contact with the former KGB. She was in charge of the Service’s work against international and Irish terrorism at the time of the Lockerbie airline disaster and when the Provisional IRA was actively targeting British military personnel on the continent of Europe.
Former Director General of MI5, Non-Executive Director for Marks & Spencer
First female Director General of MI5
First woman promoted to the rank of Director of a Service
Appointed Dame Commander in 1996
Awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science from Nottingham Trent University
Chair of Judges for the Man Booker Prize 2011
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**Overview:**
This listing features a highly praised speaker who has made a significant impact on event attendees. Reviewers consistently highlight her humility, engaging personality, and fascinating life experiences, which captivated guests and added great value to their events.
**Strengths:**
– Charismatic and engaging presence
– Inspiring life story that resonates with audiences
– Positive feedback from all attendees
**Weaknesses:**
– Some attendees felt inadequate in comparison to her achievements
Overall, she is regarded as a fantastic addition to any event, leaving guests thoroughly impressed and entertained.
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Dr. Paula Stone Williams is an advocate and renowned globally for her tireless work in championing gender equity, LGBTQ rights, and religious tolerance. As a transgender woman, Paula brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her endeavors, shedding light on the profound disparities inherent in societal structures. A dynamic keynote speaker, Paula’s story of transition […]
New York native, Steve Serio, has been playing wheelchair basketball since high school, where he was quickly named MVP of the National Junior Championship Tournament. From there, he racked up many more championships and MVP titles, including medaling at Worlds (2 silvers, 1 bronze) and competed in three Paralympic Games (1 gold, 1 bronze) with […]
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Jim Davidson is a resilience expert who has survived not just one epic mountain disaster, but two. From his real-world survival experiences, he distills hard-won lessons about forging the resilience to overcome change, challenge, and uncertainty. While climbing Mount Everest, Jim and his team survived massive earthquakes and avalanches on what became the mountain’s deadliest […]
Emily Best is the dynamic founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, a groundbreaking platform that has revolutionized the way independent films are financed, produced, and distributed. Her work as an advocate for equity and inclusion within the entertainment industry and beyond has positioned her as a leading voice in leveraging entertainment for social impact. Emily’s commitment […]
Colin O’Brady is a world-record-breaking endurance athlete and a pioneering force in adventure and motivation. Known for his awe-inspiring achievements, including becoming the first person to cross Antarctica solo, unsupported, and unassisted, Colin captivates audiences worldwide with his story of courage, resilience, and pushing human potential beyond limits. With his keynote speaking engagements, he doesn’t […]
She’s founded multiple ventures, creating over 10,000 jobs and raising $200 million in capital. Her influence extends from boardrooms to NASDAQ spotlights, where she’s been honored globally for her impact with awards for her work, and recognized by major media outlets ranging from Fortune, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Newsweek, TIME, and CNBC, for her innovation. As the […]
Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., is a cultural icon and a multifaceted entertainer whose influence spans across music, film, television, and business. With a career that has flourished for over three decades, Snoop Dogg has become synonymous with innovation and versatility. As a speaker, he captivates audiences with his unique perspectives on creativity, […]
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