Jonathan Evans Keynote Speaker

Jonathan Evans (born 1958) graduated from Bristol University, where he gained a degree in Classical Studies. He joined the Security Service in 1980 and he first worked on counter-espionage investigations. In 1985, he moved to protective security policy and advised other Government departments on the protection of classified information. He then worked on implementing policy changes as part of Sir Anthony Duff’s modernisation of the Service.

Jonathan Evans’ subsequent main focus was counter terrorism, both international and domestic. During the late 1980s and 1990s, he had various postings in Irish-related counter terrorism. He also had a spell as head of the Security Service’s secretariat and two years in the Home Office. During this secondment, Jonathan was closely involved in the development and implementation of VIP security policy.

From 1999 onwards, Jonathan Evans was directly involved in countering the threat from international terrorism. In 2001, he was appointed to the Security Service’s Management Board as Director of international counter terrorism – ten days before the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre. He became Deputy Director General to Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller in 2005. He succeeded her as Director General in April 2007. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List and retired from the Service in April 2013. It was announced in October 2014 that he would become a Cross Bench life peer, after a personal nomination by the Prime Minister for his public service. In December 2014, he was created Baron Evans of Weardale.

Jonathan has a Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Director