The U.S. Senate on Thursday unanimously confirmed William Burns as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, installing an experienced career diplomat to head the spy agency.

Burns, 64, who has served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, becomes the first career diplomat to lead the CIA. He had previously been confirmed by the Senate five times, for his stints as U.S. ambassador to Jordan and Russia as well as three senior State Department positions. 

(With input from Reuters)