Gov. Terry Branstad today named K. Brian London as the new commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. London, 59, begins his duties on Oct. 8. He replaces Larry Noble, who retired from the position earlier this year.

London’s more than 30-year career in law enforcement includes service in the Central Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Customs Service. From 2004 to 2007, he served as executive director of the International Criminal Police Organization, or INTERPOL, in Lyon, France. Most recently he was an independent security consultant in Tallahassee, Fla., after having served as deputy chief for law enforcement at the Florida Department of Financial Services.

“Iowa is incredibly fortunate to have Brian filling this critically important role within state government,”  Branstad said in a release. “There is no higher responsibility for the government than to protect its citizens, and Brian has a wealth of experience to apply within our Department of Public Safety.”

While at the Florida Department of Financial Services from 2008 to 2010, London led a staff of nearly 900 responsible for criminal investigations of financial fraud, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, worker’s compensation fraud, and arson. In addition, London oversaw the State Fire College and the State Arson and Explosives Laboratory, and sat on the Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council.

London holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Claremont McKenna College, a Master of Arts degree in human resource management from Pepperdine University and a Master of Science degree in national security strategy from the National Defense University. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner, a certified polygraph examiner and a private pilot.

“I am honored to have been selected for this position, and look forward to serving with the outstanding men and women of the Department,” London said. “I will make enforcement and efficiency both top priorities for the department.”