In a historic shift for British intelligence, Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the new head of the Secret Intelligence Service, better known as MI6. Her appointment marks the first time a woman will lead the UK’s foreign intelligence agency since its establishment in 1909.
A Trailblazing Appointment
The announcement, made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday, signals a transformative moment in the intelligence community. Metreweli, 47, is a seasoned career officer who joined MI6 in 1999 and has since held senior roles within both MI6 and its domestic counterpart, MI5. She is currently the Director General of the agency’s technology and innovation division, known internally as the Q section—a nod to the fictional James Bond films.
MI16 Headquarters
Metreweli is set to succeed Sir Richard Moore later this year, becoming the 18th Chief of MI6, traditionally referred to as “C.” Unlike her predecessor, who had a high-profile diplomatic background including a posting as ambassador to Turkey, Metreweli has spent her entire professional life within the intelligence community.
Leadership at a Critical Time
Her appointment comes at a time of heightened global threats and strategic uncertainty. From cyberattacks on national infrastructure to rising tensions with authoritarian states, the UK faces an increasingly complex international landscape.
“The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital,” said Prime Minister Starmer. “The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale, whether from adversaries who operate spy ships in our waters or cybercriminals trying to undermine our public services.”
Background and Experience
Metreweli earned a degree in social anthropology from Cambridge University before joining MI6. She has held several operational roles across Europe and the Middle East, gaining deep expertise in counter-terrorism, cyber intelligence, and strategic defence. Her leadership of the Q section placed her at the forefront of the agency’s technological development, guiding innovations in surveillance, encryption, and digital espionage.
She was honoured with the title of Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 2024, a recognition typically awarded for extraordinary service in international affairs.
‼️‼️🇬🇪🇬🇧 For the first time in its history, the British foreign intelligence agency (also known as MI6) will be led by a woman of Georgian descent — 47-year-old Blaise Metreveli.
Metreveli has been part of the agency since 1999 and has worked in the intelligence technologies… pic.twitter.com/07sJwGocvm
— Visioner (@visionergeo) June 16, 2025
A Voice of Commitment
Reacting to her appointment, Metreweli expressed gratitude and a strong sense of duty. “I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my service,” she said. “MI6 plays a vital role—together 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.”
Her statement reflects the collaborative nature of the UK’s intelligence framework, where MI6 (foreign intelligence), MI5 (domestic security), and GCHQ (communications and cybersecurity) work in tandem to manage national threats.
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Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Intelligence
While MI5 and GCHQ have previously been led by women—Dame Stella Rimington and Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller in MI5, and Anne Keast-Butler currently at GCHQ—MI6 has until now remained a male-led institution. Metreweli’s ascension not only shatters a century-old barrier but also brings the agency in line with broader calls for gender equality in leadership across government and security services.
Interestingly, her appointment mirrors fiction. Judi Dench famously portrayed “M,” the head of MI6 in the James Bond franchise, for nearly two decades. While the fictional character was a female authority figure long before the real-world agency saw a woman at its helm, Metreweli’s rise signals reality finally catching up with cinematic imagination.
The End of Moore’s Tenure
Sir Richard Moore, who took on the role of “C” in September 2020, will step down after nearly five years—a common tenure length for British intelligence chiefs. During his leadership, MI6 navigated several international flashpoints, including the run-up to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moore was notable for bringing a more public-facing approach to the role, with occasional speeches and even a presence on social media.
His background as a diplomat gave him unique leverage in managing relations with key global partners, especially in the Middle East and Europe. Post-retirement, he is expected to transition into the private sector or strategic consultancy, as is customary for former intelligence leaders.
Looking Ahead
Blaise Metreweli steps into her new role at a pivotal moment. The UK’s foreign intelligence challenges are more complex and digital than ever. Her experience in technology and innovation may prove crucial as MI6 adapts to modern threats ranging from artificial intelligence warfare to deepfake misinformation campaigns and transnational terrorism.
Her appointment is also likely to inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in intelligence and national security, traditionally seen as male-dominated spheres.
As the first female “C” prepares to take charge, the evolution of MI6 continues—not only in how it tackles global threats, but also in who leads that charge.
