In a historic move, the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6, has appointed its first female chief since the agency was founded more than a century ago.
Blaise Metreweli will succeed Sir Richard Moore later this year, becoming the 18th person, and the first woman, to take the helm of Britain’s foreign intelligence service.
Metreweli, 47, has spent over two decades in intelligence, having joined MI6 in 1999.
Currently serving as Director General “Q”, she is responsible for the agency’s cutting-edge technology and innovation, a division that plays a crucial role in shielding the identities of British agents and staying ahead of global surveillance threats, particularly from countries like China.
“I am proud and honoured to have been asked to lead MI6,” Metreweli said in a statement. “MI6 plays a vital role, with 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.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the appointment as “historic,” especially in an era when intelligence work is “more vital than ever.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy also backed the decision, calling Metreweli the “ideal candidate” to confront rising instability and modern security threats.
Metreweli studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge before entering the intelligence world.
Over her career, she has held senior positions not only in MI6 but also in MI5, the UK’s domestic security agency, focusing extensively on threats in the Middle East and Europe.
In 2024, she was recognised with the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for her contributions to British foreign policy.
While speaking under the alias “Director K” in a 2021 interview with The Telegraph during her MI5 tenure, she discussed the increasingly complex threat landscape.
“The threats we are looking at primarily exist around protecting government, protecting secrets, protecting our people, so counter-assassination, protecting our economy, sensitive technology and critical knowledge,” she said.
She warned that Russian state activity “remains a threat” and noted that China is “changing the way the world is,” presenting both “amazing opportunities and threats” to the UK.
As MI6 chief, Metreweli will take on the title of “C”, a role named after the agency’s founding head, Captain Mansfield Cumming, who famously signed all correspondence with a green-inked “C.” To this day, MI6’s leader continues the tradition.
The Chief of MI6 reports to the Foreign Secretary and sits on the UK’s Joint Intelligence Committee, working with leaders from MI5, GCHQ, and other agencies to analyse threats and advise the Prime Minister.
While spy fiction often romanticises the idea of a “licence to kill,” actual covert operations involving lethal force require authorization under Section 7 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994, a process governed by legal oversight and granted only by the Foreign Secretary.
As she assumes the post, Metreweli will confront a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
MI6 continues to face challenges from adversaries including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, whose cooperation in global destabilisation efforts has grown.
Beyond geography, the digital age is also changing the nature of espionage. As more intelligence is gathered through satellites and online monitoring, human intelligence, or HUMINT, must adapt to remain effective and relevant.
Outgoing chief Sir Richard Moore, who has led MI6 since 2020, expressed full confidence in his successor.
“Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology,” he said.
“I am absolutely delighted with her appointment. It is truly historic.”
Both Sir Keir and David Lammy offered their thanks to Sir Richard for his years of service, while expressing optimism about the leadership Blaise Metreweli will bring to MI6’s next chapter.
