Rebecca Kitteridge. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Former spy boss Rebecca Kitteridge is taking up a new teaching and research position at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
She will leave the Public Service Commission where she is currently one of two deputy commissioners.
From 2014 to 2023, Kitteridge was director-general of the Security Intelligence Service, the first woman appointed to the role.
She then headed up the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, before moving to the Public Service Commission in April 2024.
Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government this week announced Kitteridge would be joining them as professor of practice in public policy.
In a statement Kitteridge said she was thrilled, citing her experience as an alumnus of the school's Executive Public Leaders Programme.
"I have experienced first-hand the quality of the teaching, and its ability to deepen and strengthen leadership capability in government," she said.
"Public service, organisational leadership, and building international connections are at the heart of both my own career and the Blavatnik School's mission. I am looking forward to contributing to this work and equipping public leaders around the world with the tools they need to succeed."
Founding dean Professor Ngaire Woods said she was delighted by Kitteridge's appointment.
"Her leadership and deep expertise will be invaluable in enriching both our teaching and research, and in helping governments meet on Wednesday's pressing challenges with insight, integrity, and innovation."
Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche said the prestigious appointment was a testament not only to Kitteridge but also the quality of New Zealand's public service.
"Rebecca has a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion, and has made a very significant contribution to the leadership of the New Zealand public service," he said.
"Our loss is Oxford University's gain. I thank Rebecca for her dedicated service and wish her the best."
Oxford has appointed Kitteridge for a term of three years.
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