Britain Appoints Blaise Metreweli as First Female Chief of MI6

In a historic move, Britain has appointed Blaise Metreweli as the new head of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), marking the first time a woman will lead the foreign spy agency since its founding in 1909. Metreweli, 47, is currently serving as MI6’s head of technology — a role popularly referred to as “Q” — and will take over the top job in the autumn following the departure of current chief Richard Moore, who has completed a five-year tenure.

Metreweli joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999 and has spent much of her career in key operational roles across the Middle East and Europe. In her new position, she will be known by the code name “C,” a tradition for MI6 chiefs.

“I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my service,” Metreweli said in a statement issued by the British government. Her appointment places her among the most influential figures in Western intelligence, with the responsibility of defending the UK’s interests abroad.

Her selection comes at a critical moment, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer — currently attending the G7 summit in Canada — acknowledging the significance of her leadership. “Britain is facing threats on an unprecedented scale. I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our country,” he said.

Among Metreweli’s pressing challenges will be countering global threats from Russia, China, and Iran. UK intelligence agencies have accused Russia of carrying out sabotage operations across Europe to dissuade countries from supporting Ukraine. In 2021, outgoing chief Richard Moore described China as MI6’s “single greatest priority,” and MI5 has cited multiple Iranian plots targeting dissidents in Britain since 2022.

Metreweli’s appointment makes MI6 the last of the UK’s three major intelligence agencies to be led by a woman. MI5 has had two female directors, including Stella Rimington and Eliza Manningham-Buller, while GCHQ appointed its first female chief in 2023.

Metreweli, who previously held a director-level position in MI5, studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge. Her new role also brings fiction to life, echoing the character “M” portrayed by Judi Dench in the James Bond films, beginning with GoldenEye in 1995.