Ken McCallum has been named the new head of Britain's MI5 intelligence agency. McCallum, who has worked at MI5 for 25 years, oversaw counter-terrorism probes in the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics.
"Since becoming Home Secretary, I have worked closely with Ken [McCallum] and I’m delighted to appoint him as the new Director General", Home Secretary Priti Patel said, as quoted by the UK Home Office in a press release.
The home secretary also expressed gratitude to Parker for his "dedication" and "commitment" during his service.
The new MI5 head will replace Andrew Parker, who has occupied the post since 2013 and is expected to retire next month.
MI5 is the United Kingdom's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency. It operates with MI6, which is the foreign intelligence arm of the UK government.