Video: Barack Obama names John Brennan as CIA director Mr Brennan, a 25-year CIA veteran, will replace General David Petraeus, who resigned last year in the wake of a sex scandal. An FBI investigation uncovered that Mr Petraeus, a former four star general, was having an extramarital affair with his biographer Paula Broadwell. President Obama said: "In John Brennan, the men and women of the CIA will have the leadership of one of our nation's most skilled and respected intelligence professionals." Mr Obama praised Mr Brennan for being "one of the hardest-working public servants I have ever seen," and joked that he was unsure whether he had slept for four years. Mr Brennan called the role a "great privilege" and said: "If confirmed as director, I will make it my mission to ensure that he CIA has the tools it needs to keep our nation safe and that its work always reflects the liberties, the freedoms and the values that we hold so dear." Mr Obama also nominated Chuck Hagel as his next defence secretary. Both men must be confirmed by the Senate.