A historic moment for British intelligence as Blaise Metreweli prepares to take charge
London — In a groundbreaking appointment, Blaise Metreweli has been named the next chief of the United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service, better known as MI6, becoming the first woman to lead the agency in its 115-year history.
The 47-year-old intelligence veteran will officially take over this autumn from outgoing chief Sir Richard Moore. Her appointment marks a major milestone for Britain’s foreign intelligence community, long dominated by male leadership.
Operational veteran with a modern tech edge
Metreweli currently serves as Director General “Q”, heading the agency’s division for technology and innovation—a nod to the gadget mastermind in the James Bond franchise. She has had a long and distinguished career in intelligence, having joined MI6 in 1999 as a case officer and serving extensively in the Middle East and Europe.
She has also held senior leadership roles in MI5, the UK’s domestic security agency. Her broad experience across both domestic and foreign intelligence arms is seen as a major asset in navigating the modern global threat landscape.
“I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service,” Metreweli said in a statement. “MI6 plays a vital role, alongside MI5 and GCHQ, in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas. I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners.”
Who is Blaise Metreweli?
Metreweli studied anthropology at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and joined the Secret Intelligence Service shortly after graduation. Over the years, she has worked in a wide range of operational roles, many of them in high-risk international environments.
In 2024, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) as part of the King’s Birthday Honours, in recognition of her contributions to British foreign policy.
While MI5 has previously been led by two women — Stella Rimington and Eliza Manningham-Buller — Metreweli is the first woman ever to head MI6, a role known internally by the codename “C”. As MI6 chief, she will be the agency’s only publicly named officer and report directly to the UK’s foreign secretary.
What is MI6?
MI6, formally known as the Secret Intelligence Service, is the United Kingdom’s foreign intelligence agency. It was founded in 1909 and operates globally to gather intelligence in support of British national security and foreign policy objectives.
Unlike MI5, which focuses on domestic threats, MI6 works exclusively overseas. Its mandate includes countering terrorism, cyberattacks, and threats from hostile states. The agency plays a critical role in British intelligence operations and is often coordinated with MI5 and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
Metreweli’s appointment signals a new chapter for MI6, reflecting not only progress in gender representation but also a shift toward modern intelligence capabilities grounded in both field operations and cutting-edge technology.
