Dame Stella Rimington: Former Head MI5

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, […]

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: London, Greater London
  • **Fee range: On Request
5/5
5/5 (2 reviews)

Keynote Topics

  • MY LIFE AS THE SPYING DAME
  • LEADING AS A WOMAN IN A MAN’S WORLD
  • Leadership & Change
  • Political & Current Affairs
  • Counter Espionage & Counter Terrorism
  • Women Pursuing Professional Careers

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, […]

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

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Dame Stella Rimington | Former Head MI5

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

View further speakers

  • (12)
Sacred Fire Dance

Fire Dancers Cirque Mirage bring an exhilarating fusion of artistry, danger, and elegance to the stage, captivating audiences with high-energy fire performances and spellbinding visual effects. As one of the premier fire entertainment acts, they blend precise choreography, acrobatics, and expert fire handling to create an unforgettable spectacle. Whether performing at corporate galas, luxury weddings, […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Fire Dancers
  • (12)
The Watercoolers

For nearly 15 years, THE WATER COOLERS have entertained audiences around the world, as far reaching as Singapore and Australia, with their high energy, uncommonly funny, honest take on work and life. Smart phones, conference calls, kids, co-workers, and travel are just a few of the topics this group of top NYC talent turns into […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Comedian Performers
  • (43)
Johnny Quinn Dallas - Johnny Quinn Houston Keynote Speaker

Johnny Quinn is a keynote speaker, U.S. Olympian, and former NFL player who inspires audiences to break through their personal and professional barriers. His transformative speeches, grounded in resilience and peak performance, are sought after by corporations, organizations, and educational institutions worldwide. As a renowned expert on overcoming adversity and adapting to change, Johnny’s dynamic […]

  • Travels from: Fort Worth. TX
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (8)
Rachel Tucker

Rachel Tucker is a multifaceted individual whose life’s purpose revolves around empowering women and mothers to embrace their full potential. As a mother of four and a devoted wife, she understands the intricacies of balancing family responsibilities while pursuing personal and professional goals. Rachel’s journey as a passionate coach and advocate for holistic well-being has […]

  • Travels from: Troy, OH
  • Religious Speakers
  • (30)
  • (3)
Dr Linda Friedland

Dr Linda Friedland is a international health expert, medical doctor, television personality, well-regarded international conference & keynote speaker and a best selling author. She is an authority on stress management, executive, corporate & women’s health issues. Dr Friedland consults internationally to healthcare, corporate and financial institutions on health & lifestyle interventions as well as emerging […]

  • Travels from: Perth, Australia
  • Workplace Wellness
  • (16)
  • (5)
Tim Urban

Tim Urban, a master of unraveling the intricate tapestry of modern life, offers audiences around the globe insights into leadership, technology, artificial intelligence, creativity, innovation, and the human experience. His unique ability to clarify complex subjects with humor and relatable examples has made him a beloved figure and a sought-after speaker at conferences, corporate events, […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (9)
Dima Ghawi

Dima Ghawi is a Jordanian American award-winning author, leadership keynote speaker, and executive coach. She is the founder of a global talent development company dedicated to advancing individuals in leadership. Through her compelling storytelling and insightful presentations, Dima empowers professionals worldwide to shatter limitations and embrace their full potential. Born in Ankara, Turkey, and raised […]

  • Travels from:
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (23)
Ellie Doty

Ellie Doty epitomizes the fusion of marketing brilliance and brand innovation, boasting an illustrious 18+ year career that has left an indelible mark on iconic global brands. With a strategic acumen honed through her tenure with industry giants like KFC, Taco Bell, Chili’s, and Burger King, Ellie has navigated the intricate landscape of multi-location marketing […]

  • Travels from: Louisville, KY
  • Branding Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel