Blaise Metreweli has been named as the new chief of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, making her the first woman to lead the organisation in its 116-year history. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the action, describing it as historic and significant.
Metreweli, 47, has been with MI6 since 1999 and was most recently Director General for Technology and Innovation, a position known internally as ‘Q’. She formerly served as a director at MI5, the UK’s domestic security organisation. She will officially succeed Sir Richard Moore in the autumn.
The MI6 leader, also known as ‘C’, is the agency’s only publicly named officer and reports to Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Starmer highlighted the growing national security problems and lauded Metreweli’s extensive experience, describing her appointment as crucial in an era of increased risks from cyberattacks and hostile intelligence activities.
Metreweli expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take on the post, confirming her commitment to UK security and worldwide partnership. She is a Cambridge Anthropology graduate with vast experience in the Middle East and Europe.
Foreign Secretary Lammy and Cabinet Secretary Christopher Wormald praised her leadership and skills. Sir Richard Moore called her one of MI6’s top minds in technology.
