Lawyer moves up: BND gets first deputy head

BND chief Kahl will soon be replaced, and now another important appointment follows: 51-year-old lawyer Monschau is set to take on a leadership role in the foreign intelligence service. She already has many years of experience.

The Federal Intelligence Service (BND) has appointed lawyer Gabriele Monschau as its first deputy to the BND President. The 51-year-old has been tasked with managing key tasks of the German foreign intelligence service, the BND announced in Berlin. Monschau succeeds Philipp Wolff, who has moved to the Federal Chancellery as Head of Department and Coordinator of the Federal Intelligence Services.

Monschau brings more than 20 years of experience to the BND. Among other things, she has worked for the intelligence agency in procurement, as a resident abroad, in human resources, and on the executive staff in Berlin. Her profile combines strategic vision, international expertise, and strong leadership experience, the statement added.

With the appointment of Monschau, the intelligence agency is undergoing some restructuring at its top. After nine years in office, BND President Bruno Kahl is expected to be replaced in September by the current German ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger. Kahl, 63, who has served as BND President since 2016, will become Germany's representative to the Holy See in Rome.

In addition to the future Vice President and Deputy President, Monschau, there are two other vice presidents at the BND: Major General Dag Baehr, who is responsible for military matters, and Ole Diehl, who primarily deals with the service's foreign affairs.