The British Secret Intelligence Service MI6 has appointed its first ever female chief. Blaise Metreweli will become the first woman to lead the organisation in the foreign intelligence service’s 116-year history.
The 47-year old said she is “proud and honoured” to be taking on the role, praising MI6’s “vital role with MI5 and GCHQ in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas.”
“I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners,” she said.
Metreweli will be the 18th chief of the organisation that gathers intelligence overseas to improve UK security, including stopping terrorism, disrupting activities of hostile states and bolstering cyber-security.
As the chief, she is the only publicly named member of the organisation and will replace former chief, Sir Richard Moore in October.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the new appointment, saying: “The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital. 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.”
Sir Keir also thanked Sir Richard for his five years of “dedicated service”.
“I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our county and keep our people safe,” he said.
Over the weekend, Sir Richard said he was “absolutely delighted” with the “historic appointment” of his colleague.
“Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology,” he said. “I am excited to welcome her as the first female head of MI6.”
As the head of MI6, Metreweli will report to the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.
Lammy described the incoming leader as the “ideal” candidate who would ensure the UK was able to take on the challenges of “global instability and emerging security threats”.
He also paid tribute to Sir Richard Moore for his service and leadership, adding, “I have worked closely with him over the past year and thank him for his valuable contribution enhancing our national security and protecting the British public.”
In her role, Metreweli will work alongside leaders of other departments and senior government officials including the Joint Intelligence Committee, receiving intelligence reports, analysing ongoing situations and advising the prime minister.
She studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge and joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999. She has previously held director level roles in MI6’s adjacent, domestic security agency MI5, spending much of her career based in the Middle East and Europe.
She is currently Director General “Q” – leading the technology and innovation team that works to keep the identities of secret agents secret, and establish new ways to elude adversaries such as China’s biometric surveillance.
In 2024, she was recognised for her services to British foreign policy, receiving the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) as part of the King’s overseas and international birthday honours list.
In 2022, Metreweli spoke under a pseudonym to The Financial Times, describing the life of female British spies. She noted that being an agent was the only job she ever pursued and described herself as a “geek.”
Cabinet Secretary Christopher Wormald said that her “experience and leadership in the intelligence community will help MI6 protect the foundation of our national security and project our interests overseas.”
“Blaise will be an excellent Chief, who will embody the values of the Service and act as a fine role model to its staff,” he said.
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