UK intelligence service appoints first female chief in 116-year history

In a historic move, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the appointment of Blaise Metreweli as the new Chief of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, MI6 – making her the first woman to lead the organisation.

Metreweli, 47, currently serves as Director General "Q", where she heads MI6’s cutting-edge technology and innovation division. This unit is responsible for protecting the identities of agents and devising tools to counter increasingly advanced surveillance threats, including those from adversaries like China, Caliber.Az reports via the UK government.

"MI6 plays a vital role - with MI5 and GCHQ - in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas," Metreweli said following the announcement. "I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners."

MI6, officially known as the Secret Intelligence Service, is the UK’s overseas intelligence agency. Its primary responsibilities include combating terrorism, countering hostile state activity, and enhancing cybersecurity. Its chief, known publicly only as "C", is the sole named figure within the secretive organisation.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the significance of Blaise Metreweli's appointment, stating that it comes at a time when the work of the UK’s intelligence services is more crucial than ever. He emphasised that the country is confronting unprecedented threats, ranging from foreign aggressors deploying spy ships in British waters to hackers carrying out sophisticated cyber-attacks aimed at disrupting public services.

“I’d like to thank Sir Richard Moore for his dedicated service, and I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our country and keep our people safe – the foundation of my Plan for Change," he stated. 

Metreweli brings extensive experience to the role. A graduate of anthropology from the University of Cambridge, she has held senior positions in both MI6 and MI5 – the UK’s domestic security service. Much of her career has been focused on operations in the Middle East and Europe. 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 services to British foreign policy.

By Sabina Mammadli