Heather Cook

ACIC CEO Heather Cook is a career intelligence professional with more than 33 years' experience. She started her career as an intelligence officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service before moving to Australia in 1995 to take up a role in Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Heather has worked across a broad range of operational, analytical, and strategy areas, as well as working at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet as a senior policy adviser in the Defence, Intelligence and Security Branch of the International Division.

Heather was promoted into the SES in 2004 and served in a variety of senior roles before being appointed Deputy Director-General of ASIO in 2015. Heather spent 7 years leading the delivery of its intelligence mission and supporting capabilities. Heather has enjoyed supporting the broader work of the national security community including as a member of the Distinguished Advisors panel at the National Security College (NSC) at Australian National University where she was a guest presenter and mentored emerging leaders on NSC Executive Development programs. Heather has a strong interest in corporate governance and has served as a Company Director in the private sector.