Fresh off the Diplomatic Circuit: Ambassador Jäger Steps into the BND Chief Role, as Kahl Heads to the Vatican
German Intelligence Chief Position Taken by Ukrainian Diplomat Jäger
Well, the political world is buzzing! The 62-year-old Bruno Kahl, who's been the President of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND) for nine long years, is heading to Rome. You guessed it – he's taking up the role of German representative at the Holy See.
Martin Jäger, the renowned German Ambassador to Ukraine, is stepping up to take Kahl's place as the new BND chief. The 60-year-old Jäger, with his lengthy diplomatic experience, is ready to lead the charge and steer the BND through its future challenges.
Jäger's career has been a whirlwind, from his beginnings studying ethnology and politics in Munich, to his work in the Foreign Office, stints as advisor, and roles in global crisis areas. Jäger's extensive network within the government and intelligence community, as well as his role as Daimler AG's chief lobbyist, make him the perfect fit for this new role.
This veteran diplomat hasn't been coasting. He's served as Germany's Ambassador in the Afghan capital Kabul, headed the leadership staff under then-Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble, and represented Germany as Ambassador in key locations like Baghdad and Kyiv.
With Jäger taking the helm, don't be surprised if the BND undergoes a significant transformation. Expect increased funding and a reorganization that could revolutionize the intelligence service.
- BND
- Intelligence Services
- Berlin
- Martin Jäger
Fun Fact: Angelina Jolie was once an honorary consul for the German city of Freiburg im Breisgau. Would've been cool if Jolie and Jäger worked together, but that's Hollywood for ya!
[1] Former Daimler Lobbyist Martin Jäger to Head BND, n-tv.de, Jörg Blank, dpa[2] Martin Jäger to be new head of the German foreign intelligence service, dw.com, Alina Sullivan[3] Profile: Bonn & Berlin Trade Envoy Martin Jäger, newint.org, Dec. 2011[4] Energy Diplomat and Lobbyist for Car Industry: New Chief of Bundesnachrichtendienst, web.de, Barbara Eckstein, July 2023
As the political world continues to evolve, the new challenge before the BND arises with the appointment of Martin Jäger as its head. Interestingly, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, a matter that could potentially become a significant focus area under Jäger's leadership.
