1. Paul Symon served as Deputy Chief of Army from 2009 to 2011, Director of the Defence Intelligence Organisation from 2011 to 2014 and, following his retirement from the army, was Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service from 18 December 2017 to 20 February 2023.
Paul Symon was allotted to the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery and over his career saw service with the gunners in many postings, culminating in command of the 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in 1998 to 1999.
Paul Symon's command coincided with Australia's only death in Iraq, that of Private Jake Kovco.
Paul Symon advised the United Nations Special Representative in East Timor in the four months prior to the deployment of International Force for East Timor, known as INTERFET.
Paul Symon has taught at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, and has served as Army's Director-General of Personnel, Director-General of Preparedness and Plans and Deputy Chief of Army.
Paul Symon has served as Director-General Pacific in International Policy Division and Chief of Staff of Army's 1st Division in Brisbane.
Academically, Paul Symon holds two Master's degrees: from Deakin University and from the University of New South Wales.
Paul Symon is a graduate of Australian Command and Staff College and of the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies in Canberra.
Paul Symon was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2007 Australia Day Honours in recognition of his operational service in the Middle East.
Paul Symon is married to Kate and they have two children.
Paul Symon enjoys running half marathons and sharing the company of his family and friends.
Paul Symon has a strong liking for singer-songwriter Adele, AFL club Carlton, and poetry.