Sir Alex Younger obituary
Popular head of the Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, who widened out the recruitment process
TL;DR
- Sir Alex Younger, former head of MI6, died at 62.
- He served as head of the Secret Intelligence Service from 2014 to 2020.
- Younger was known for his open and engaging personality, differing from predecessors.
- He modernized MI6 by widening the recruitment process and advertising widely.
- His tenure involved dealing with international crises like Russian expansionism and Islamic State.
- He oversaw security for the 2012 London Olympics and operations against the 'underwear bomber'.
- Younger emphasized human agency and the difference individuals can make.
- He served in various foreign postings, including Vienna and Dubai, often under diplomatic cover.
- He reflected on Western hubris regarding global affairs in a 2023 interview.
- He is survived by his wife Sarah and two children, Tom and Amy.