LONDON — Alex Younger died at the age of 62 after being treated for cancer. He served as chief of the Secret Intelligence Service from 2014 to 2020.
Younger was the 16th chief of MI6 since the agency was founded in 1909, and his tenure was the longest in 50 years. He began his professional career in 1986 when he was commissioned into the Royal Scots. After transferring to the Scots Guards, he was promoted to captain in 1987. Younger joined MI6 in 1991 and served in operational intelligence roles across Europe and the Middle East during the 1990s.
He was MI6 station chief in Afghanistan during the US-led coalition against the Taliban in 2001. In the three years leading up to the 2012 London Olympic Games, he led the agency’s counter-terrorism efforts. Official records document his progression from field operations to senior executive management.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed sadness over Younger’s death. "Alex Younger led an exemplary life and career," Starmer said. "Alex Younger will be remembered for his dedication to British public life and national security." Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said, "Alex Younger’s dedication, integrity and leadership kept the country safe. The country owes Alex Younger an enormous debt of gratitude."
Current Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service Blaise Metreweli said, "Alex Younger embodied the values of integrity, courage, creativity and respect. Alex Younger made a lasting and distinctive contribution to the UK and global security." Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart paid tribute in the House of Commons, calling Younger an "incredible public servant" who was "wise and generous."