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

  • (27)
  • (3)
Brian Apprille Comedian

Brian Apprille Comedian has become a sought-after name in the corporate comedy circuit. His ability to craft relatable, clean, and engaging content makes him a beacon of laughter and inspiration in a dynamic environment. Brian Apprille | Comedian & Emcee Brian Apprille’s journey into comedy started like many great stories—with a love for making people […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Comedian Hosts
  • (31)
Linda Bernardi

Linda Bernardi is a trailblazer in the world of innovation, renowned for her unique vision and unwavering commitment to disrupting the status quo. As an “innovation provocateur,” Linda helps organizations break free from their comfort zones, challenge conventional wisdom, and shatter outdated paradigms. Her mission is to drive the creation of market-changing products, services, and […]

  • Travels from: Seattle, WA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (52)
Lisa Powell Graham

Lisa Powell Graham, MPA, is a trailblazing visionary leader, boasting over two decades of remarkable achievements in campaign management, strategic planning, fundraising, communications, and community organizing. With a passion for driving positive change and a proven track record of success, Lisa stands as a beacon of inspiration and expertise in her field. Lisa Powell Graham […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (29)
Jazmine Rogers

Jazmine Rogers is a tremendously passionate performer. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee and the third of six children, she’s found herself in California due to the lifestyle of a military child. Nevertheless, Jazmine found it a great opportunity to dive into what her heart beats for… entertainment. Highly competent in various art forms, Jazmine enjoys singing, dancing, modeling, and acting. […]

  • Travels from: Riverside, CA
  • Singers
  • (22)
Wendee Lee Curtis Emcee

Wendee Lee Curtis is a seasoned Broadway performer turned motivational keynote speaker, emcee, and moderator. With over a decade of experience captivating audiences, Curtis has brought her powerful stage presence, magnetic charisma, and expertise in corporate communications to Fortune 500 companies worldwide. A favorite among industry giants such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, and CrowdStrike, […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Communication Speakers
  • (25)
Julissa Arce

Julissa Arce is a trailblazing immigration advocate, keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of My (Underground) American Dream, her powerful memoir recounting her journey as an undocumented immigrant who rose to become a Wall Street executive. Her incredible life story highlights her perseverance and dedication to creating a more equitable and just society for immigrants. […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Hispanic Speakers
  • (39)
  • (2)
Daniel Burrus

Daniel Burrus is heralded as one of the globe’s preeminent futurist speakers on global trends and disruptive innovation. With an extraordinary ability to translate complex technological trends into actionable business insights, Burrus has become a pivotal figure in strategic consulting. His keen insights and articulate delivery have earned him accolades from prestigious publications like The […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (23)
Troy Hazard

Troy Hazard stands as a seasoned navigator, having weathered storms of both failure and triumph. With a track record spanning over two decades, he epitomizes resilience and entrepreneurial acumen, having founded and cultivated twelve ventures. From the brink of financial ruin to the pinnacles of success, Hazard’s journey embodies the essence of strategic risk-taking and […]

  • Travels from: Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Leadership 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