Mark Rowley
Sir Mark is the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis - the most senior police officer in the UK, based at New Scotland Yard. He was appointed in September 2022.
Completed during his 4-year break from policing, THE SLEEP OF REASON is Mark’s debut thriller, written with his long-time close friend, David Derbyshire, published by Legend Press in 2022.
Described by ex-Home Secretary Amber Rudd as a ‘thunderously good read’ it captures the complex challenges faced by police in countering terrorist groups and explores radicalisation, extremism, and violence in contemporary Britain with searing authenticity.
Beyond writing, Mark also published (2021) ‘Operating with Impunity’ with the Commission for Countering Extremism making ground-breaking recommendations to Government on closing the legal loopholes exploited by extremists. He also worked with several early-stage technology innovators bringing new solutions to problems such as counter terrorism, preparedness, online safety and tackling illicit finance.
Mark retired from policing in 2018, after a thirty-one-year career in policing including posts as Chief Constable of Surrey; Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police; and lastly head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing. In 2018 Sir Mark was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his “exceptional contribution to national security at a time of unprecedented threat and personally providing reassuring national leadership through the attacks of 2017”.
Married with two grown up sons, Mark relaxes with running and yoga – necessary counterpoints for an Aston Villa season ticket holder!