ASIS is led by the Director-General, Kerri Hartland.
Director-General
Kerri Hartland has worked In the most senior positions in the Commonwealth Government for more than 30 years. Kerri was appointed Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service on 20 February 2023. She is the first female Director-General.
Kerri has worked in senior executive roles across a large number of Government departments including Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Prime Minister and Cabinet, Finance, Industry, Resources and Energy, Human Services and Immigration.
After leaving the public sector in 2020, Kerri worked with the Business Council of Australia and then as a Principal Advisor and Chair of a mid-sized consulting advisory and legal firm. During this time, she continued her work in the intelligence and security areas having been a member of the ANU National Security College Futures Council, Austrac’s Fintel Alliance and chair of the AFP and Office of Special Investigator’s Audit and Risk Committees. In 2021 she became the Chair of the National Youth Science Forum and also sits on the Board of the Canberra Hospital Foundation.
Kerri started her working life as a journalist in rural Queensland and then in the Press Gallery at Parliament House working for the Melbourne Herald and Weekly Times.
Kerri has worked in senior executive roles across a large number of Government departments including Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Prime Minister and Cabinet, Finance, Industry, Resources and Energy, Human Services and Immigration.
After leaving the public sector in 2020, Kerri worked with the Business Council of Australia and then as a Principal Advisor and Chair of a mid-sized consulting advisory and legal firm. During this time, she continued her work in the intelligence and security areas having been a member of the ANU National Security College Futures Council, Austrac’s Fintel Alliance and chair of the AFP and Office of Special Investigator’s Audit and Risk Committees. In 2021 she became the Chair of the National Youth Science Forum and also sits on the Board of the Canberra Hospital Foundation.
Kerri started her working life as a journalist in rural Queensland and then in the Press Gallery at Parliament House working for the Melbourne Herald and Weekly Times.
Deputy-Director General Capability & Corporate Management
Ms Catherine Burn
Catherine was appointed ASIS's Deputy-Director General Capability & Corporate Management in April 2018. Prior to this, Catherine had a distinguished career with the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) reaching the rank of Deputy Commissioner.
Catherine has been awarded many accolades including a University Medal, the Australian Police Medal and the International Women's Day 2007 NSW Woman of the Year for achievement in valuing difference and leading change. In 2011 Catherine was announced as the Telstra Australian Business Woman of the year.
