John Adye

Sir John Anthony Adye KCMG (born 24 October 1939) is a former Director of the British signals intelligence agency, GCHQ, a post he held from 1989 to 1996.

Career Adye was born to Arthur Francis Capel Adye and Hilda Marjorie (née Elkes). Adye was educated at Leighton Park School and Lincoln College, Oxford, receiving a degree in Mods and Greats. Adye joined GCHQ in 1962, becoming Director in 1989. As Director, Adye oversaw GCHQ`s response to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. After retiring from GCHQ in 1996, he served as the chair of the Country Houses Association until 2002. In 1993 Adye was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.