UK Appoints First Female MI6 Chief Blaise Metreweli

For the first time in history, the United Kingdom has chosen a woman to lead its foreign intelligence agency, MI6.

Blaise Metreweli Makes History

On Monday, the UK government announced that Blaise Metreweli CMG will become the 18th Chief of MI6. At 47, she will also be the first woman to lead the organisation in its 116-year history.

Long Career in Intelligence

Metreweli joined MI6 in 1999. Since then, she has steadily risen through the ranks. She now serves as Director General ‘Q’, leading the agency’s work in technology and innovation. Later this year, she will take over from the current chief, Sir Richard Moore.In response to her appointment, Metreweli said, “I am proud and honoured to have been asked to lead.”

Prime Minister Welcomes the Appointment

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the decision. He called it “historic” and timely. “The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale—be it aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters or hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our public services,” he said. He noted that Metreweli’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the country’s security.

What the MI6 Chief Does

The head of MI6, known as ‘C’, leads the organisation’s operations. This person is also the only publicly named official in the agency and reports to the Foreign Secretary.

Main Objectives of MI6

MI6 works alongside MI5 and GCHQ. Its mission is to gather intelligence overseas, prevent terrorism, counter hostile threats, and strengthen cyber defense.

Metreweli, who earlier held a senior post in MI5, emphasized collaboration. “MI6 plays a vital role with MI5 and GCHQ in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas.”

Outgoing Chief Backs Successor

Sir Richard Moore, the outgoing MI6 Chief, welcomed her promotion. “I am absolutely delighted by this historic appointment of my colleague, Blaise Metreweli, to succeed me as ‘C’. Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology.”

A Steady Rise from Fieldwork to the Top

Metreweli started her career as a case officer in 1999. She worked mainly in operational roles across West Asia and Europe.
She studied Anthropology at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and has become one of MI6’s most respected leaders.