Thomas Ahrenkiel, 57, has been named the new chief of the Defence Intelligence Service (FE) by the Ministry of Defence. This appointment marks a return for Ahrenkiel, who previously held the same position from 2010 to 2015.

Political commentator Bent Winther described the appointment as a “surprising and great comeback” for Ahrenkiel, an experienced senior official.

Ahrenkiel’s career faced a setback in 2020 when, as the outgoing permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defence, he was investigated in connection with the FE case involving former FE chief Lars Findsen, ultimately leading to his repatriation from a planned ambassadorship in Berlin. However, a 2021 commission investigation cleared Ahrenkiel and Findsen of any wrongdoing.

Before his new appointment, Ahrenkiel worked as a partner and European director at the consulting firm Macro Advisory Partners. He has also held leading positions in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Winther noted that Ahrenkiel will be leading the FE during a period of significant investment in new technology and artificial intelligence. The incoming chief faces the challenge of managing AI and data security while addressing ongoing threats related to terror, the conflict in Ukraine, and the Middle East. He succeeds acting FE chief Svend Larsen.