Blaise Metreweli has become the first woman to lead Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, marking a historic shift in the agency’s 115-year history. Her appointment, announced Sunday, comes at a pivotal time as the UK faces rising threats from foreign adversaries, including cyberattacks, espionage, and geopolitical pressure from hostile regimes.
She is a 25-year veteran of MI6, Metreweli currently serves as the agency’s head of technology, code-named “Q,” and brings extensive experience in field operations across the Middle East and Europe.
Blaise Metreweli’s Spy Background
The new female MI6 chief had joined the agency in 1999 and built her career in high-stakes environments across the Middle East and Europe. Colleagues refer to her as “Q” within the agency and recognise her for her tech-focused leadership. Richard Moore, who has led MI6 since 2020 and plans to retire soon, with her set to take over after him.
Blaise Metreweli will adopt the agency’s first-ever codename, “C,” once she steps into her new role. While attending the G7 summit in Canada, Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised her selection and noted that countries like China, Iran, and Russia present “unprecedented threats” to Britain.
Starmer has expressed full faith in Metreweli’s ability to guide MI6 through this challenging international landscape.
What Is MI6?
MI6 was originally known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), and it is the foreign intelligence agency of the United Kingdom. It was first created in 1909 to safeguard national security and advance the interests of the country, and is responsible for gathering intelligence outside of British borders.
Moreover, it works alongside two other major intelligence bodies, MI5, which handles domestic security, and GCHQ, which focuses on cyber and communications intelligence. Unlike MI5, MI6 agents operate all over the world and in secret, with the task of monitoring terrorism, espionage, global dangers, and hostile actors.
Furthermore, the agency has long maintained a culture of secrecy, with its chief known only by the single-letter codename “C,” a tradition dating back to its earliest days. Until Blaise Metreweli’s appointment, MI6 had been led exclusively by 17 male chiefs.
Blaise Metreweli Makes Historic Shift
Metreweli, who was the first woman to oversee MI6, is part of a growing trend of female intelligence chiefs in Britain. The first female head, Stella Rimington of MI5, was appointed in 1992, and GCHQ followed suit in 2023. Metreweli’s elevation signals both a symbolic and strategic shift as MI6 navigates modern espionage challenges like cyberwarfare and global power rivalries.
Metreweli’s appointment marks a significant moment for MI6 as she prepares to face complex global threats, including challenges posed by Russia, China, and Iran. Her leadership arrives amid increasing geopolitical tensions and evolving intelligence demands.
