Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), has announced that he will be leaving the job on May 28.
MacGibbon has been leading the Centre since it was rolled into the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) on the orders of former PM Malcolm Turnbull. Prior to taking the role, he had served Turnbull as Special Advisor on Cyber Security.
In a statement, ASD chief Mike Burgess expressed his 'regret' at MacGibbon's departure.
"I regret to announce that Alastair MacGibbon has advised me of his resignation from the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to return to the private sector," Burgess said. "Alastair leaves a considerable legacy.
"During his time both as the National Cyber Security Adviser and as the Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Alastair has been a fierce advocate for the importance of cyber security for the community, businesses and governments. He is indeed the face of cyber security in Australia and, through his leadership, helped raise the nation’s cyber security standards."
MacGibbon's decision comes weeks before a federal election. "Alastair believes the end of the electoral cycle is an appropriate time for renewal," Burgess said.
LTGEN John Frewen, currently Principal Deputy Director-General ASD, will take up the post after May 28 until the role is permanently filled.