Blaise Metreweli Appointed First Female Head of MI6
Britain's MI6 has announced Blaise Metreweli as its new chief, marking the first time a woman will lead the organization since it was established in 1909. Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed the appointment on Sunday during his visit to Alberta, Canada, for the G7 summit.
Currently serving as the director of technology and innovation at MI6, the 47-year-old Metreweli will officially take over in the fall, succeeding Richard Moore. Her name is the only one publicly known within MI6, and she will adopt the agency's traditional chief title of "C."
Metreweli expressed her pride and honor at being selected to lead the service in her official statement.
Prime Minister Starmer described the appointment as "historic," emphasizing its significance amid increasing threats from state actors such as Russia and China, cyberattacks on public infrastructure, and ongoing terrorist risks.
Assuming leadership at a time of heightened global security challenges, Metreweli brings extensive experience in both traditional espionage and modern technologies. Having served in MI6 for over 25 years, she holds a degree in anthropology from Cambridge University and was a member of the women's rowing team, highlighting her as a modern, diverse, and tech-savvy leader.
Her appointment reflects a trend towards gender inclusion within UK intelligence services. MI5 has previously been led by women like Stella Rimington and Eliza Manningham-Buller, while Anne Keast-Butler became the director of GCHQ in 2023.
Outgoing MI6 chief Richard Moore, in office since 2020, had advocated for more female representation in intelligence leadership. In a post from 2023, he expressed his hope to be "the last C selected from an all-male shortlist."
Metreweli's appointment followed a confidential recruitment process initiated earlier this year, which included candidates from the intelligence, diplomatic, and security sectors. Ultimately, MI6 opted for an internal candidate with strong institutional knowledge and a forward-thinking approach.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that Metreweli's leadership will enable Britain to navigate an era characterized by hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and geopolitical instability. "In a time of global instability and emerging security threats, where technology is power and our adversaries are working ever closer together, Blaise will ensure the U.K. can tackle these challenges head on," he commented.
