MI6 Appoints First Female Chief in Its 116-Year History
In a landmark decision, the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) has named Blaise Metreweli as its new chief — the first woman to lead the foreign intelligence agency in its 116-year history.
Metreweli, who joined the service in 1999, will take over from current chief Sir Richard Moore later this year, becoming the 18th person to hold the prestigious position.
Currently serving as Director General "Q," Metreweli oversees MI6's technology and innovation department. This division is responsible for developing advanced tools and systems to protect agent identities and outsmart increasingly sophisticated surveillance networks, including those used by adversaries such as China.
Her work ensures that British operatives can carry out missions abroad securely and effectively.
In a public statement, Metreweli said she was "proud and honoured" to be chosen for the role and emphasized the importance of MI6’s work in today’s complex global security environment.
“MI6 plays a vital role — alongside MI5 and GCHQ — in keeping the British people safe and protecting the UK’s interests worldwide,” she said. “I look forward to leading our dedicated officers and continuing our close cooperation with international allies.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed her appointment, calling it “historic” and noting the growing importance of intelligence services in countering modern threats.
“At a time when the challenges facing our nation are increasingly complex, strong leadership in our intelligence community is vital,” he said.
Metreweli’s career spans decades and includes extensive field experience in Europe and the Middle East. She has also held director-level roles in MI5, the UK’s domestic intelligence agency.
Her academic background includes a degree in anthropology from the University of Cambridge, providing her with a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour and cultural dynamics — critical skills in intelligence work.
In 2024, she was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the King's overseas and international birthday honours for her contributions to British foreign policy and national security.
The role of MI6 chief, known by the codename "C," comes with deep historical roots. The tradition began with the agency’s first head, Captain Mansfield Cumming, who signed his correspondence with a green-ink “C” — a custom still followed today. While the public often assumes “C” stands for "Chief," it actually derives from Cumming’s surname.
As MI6 chief, Metreweli will report directly to the Foreign Secretary and serve as a key member of the UK’s Joint Intelligence Committee. This committee is responsible for analyzing intelligence, monitoring global developments, and advising the Prime Minister on national security.
Although MI6 agents are not granted a so-called “license to kill,” the law does allow certain covert actions, including potentially lethal operations, with prior authorization from the Foreign Secretary under Section 7 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994.
Blaise Metreweli’s appointment marks a significant step forward in the evolution of British intelligence, symbolizing not only a breaking of the glass ceiling within the intelligence community but also the growing role of women in national and international security leadership.
