Madeleine Alessandri

Madeleine Kay Alessandri CMG (born 1965) is a British civil servant who has had a career in the security and diplomatic services. As of July 2023^[update], she is the Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee.

Alessandri studied Economics with International Relations at the University of St. Andrews, and then joined government service in 1988. After a number of roles in overseas national security and diplomatic service, including serving as Political Counsellor at the British Embassy in Japan from 2004 to 2007, following Colin Roberts,^[1] Alessandri ultimately became a director in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Alessandri was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 2017 for her "services to British foreign policy", whilst serving as a director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.^[2]

From July 2018 until early 2020, Alessandri transferred to the Cabinet Office, where she served as one of the UK's Deputy National Security Advisers alongside David Quarrey, supporting the prime minister on national resilience and security.^[3] She also serves as National Honorary Chair of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship since January 2020.^[4]

Between January 2020 and June 2023, Alessandri served as Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office.^[5]

In May 2023, it was announced she was appointed as Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee, succeeding Sir Simon Gass.^[6]

Offices held[edit]

Government offices
Preceded by Richard Moore	Deputy National Security Adviser 2018–2020	Succeeded by Beth Sizeland
Preceded by Sir Jonathan Stephens	Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office 2020–2023	Succeeded by Julie Harrison
Preceded by Sir Simon Gass	Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee 2023 -	Succeeded by Unknown

^ Mackie, Colin (8 January 2020). "A Directory Of British Diplomats" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016.
^ "Madeline ALESSANDRI". London Gazette. 17 June 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
^ Turner, Dr. Christian; Alessandri, Madeleine (20 April 2019). "Defence & security focus: Two of the PM's key advisers share their thoughts". Civil Service World. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
^ "Civil Service Retirement Fellowship appointment". GOV.UK. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
^ "Appointment of Permanent Secretary at the Northern Ireland Office". Gov.uk. 7 January 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
^ "Joint Intelligence Committee Chair appointed: Madeleine Alessandri CMG". gov.uk. UK Cabinet Office. 4 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023. The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Madeleine Alessandri CMG as the new Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) and head of the Joint Intelligence Organisation (JIO). Madeleine will replace Simon Gass who is stepping down after four years in the role.