GCSB boss Andrew Hampton, who has been appointed to lead the SIS. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
Government Communication Security Bureau boss Andrew Hampton has been appointed to lead New Zealand's other spy agency - the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS).
Deputy Public Service Commissioner Heather Baggott this morning announced her appointment of Hampton to the role of SIS director-general and chief executive for five years, starting on 17 April.
Hampton has led the GCSB as its director-general and chief executive since 2016. The role will become vacant when he starts at the SIS.
He has been in leadership or management roles in government agencies and departments since 2010 including at the Ministries of Justice and Education, Crown Law, and the Public Service and State Service Commissions.
In a statement, Baggott said Hampton was a highly respected and skilled leader, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the national security sector.
She said he had led the GCSB in its intelligence and cyber security functions - including being Government Chief Information Security Officer - which shared similarities to the SIS.
"As the Director-General, Mr Hampton led a transformation of the agency's capabilities, service offerings, stakeholder relations and public reputation while responding to a period of significant disruption," she said.
The SIS assesses and mitigates threats to New Zealand's national security, and advises government ministers.
The GCSB specialises in electronic communications intelligence.