By Blaise Metreweli
First female chief of MI6
Summary
- Blaise Metreweli, a career intelligence officer, becomes the first woman to serve as MI6 Chief ‘C’, the 18th in the agency’s 116-year history
- With extensive experience in MI6 and MI5, Metreweli’s focus on technology and operations in the Middle East and Europe equips her to counter rising global threats
- The UK commits £600 million to bolster intelligence services, as Metreweli prepares to lead MI6 amid escalating cyber and espionage challenges
London — In a landmark decision, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 15, 2025, that Blaise Metreweli CMG will become the first female Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), assuming the role of ‘C’, the agency’s only publicly named position, in autumn 2025.
Metreweli, 47, will succeed Sir Richard Moore, who steps down after five years of leadership. As Chief, she will report directly to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, overseeing MI6’s operations at a time of heightened global threats.
MI6 Headquarters, London (Source: Reuters UK)
Metreweli, a career intelligence officer since joining MI6 in 1999, currently serves as Director General ‘Q’, driving technology and innovation within the agency, a role reminiscent of the James Bond series’ gadget-master.
Her career spans operational roles in the Middle East and Europe, complemented by a director-level position at MI5, where she tackled hostile state activities and advocated for Official Secrets Act reforms. A Pembroke College, Cambridge graduate with a degree in social anthropology, Metreweli also rowed for the women’s team.
Prime Minister Starmer hailed the appointment as “historic,” emphasizing its significance amid unprecedented threats, from “aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters” to “hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our public services.”
He added, “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.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised Metreweli’s credentials, stating, “With a wealth of experience from across our national security community, Blaise is the ideal candidate to lead MI6 into the future.” He highlighted her role in addressing “global instability and emerging security threats, where technology is power,” and underscored the government’s £600 million investment to strengthen MI6, MI5, and GCHQ.
Cabinet Secretary Christopher Wormald lauded Metreweli’s leadership, noting, “Blaise Metreweli’s experience and leadership in the intelligence community will help MI6 protect the foundation of our national security and project our interests overseas.” He also thanked Moore for his “excellent leadership” over the past five years.
Metreweli expressed her commitment, saying, “I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service. MI6 plays a 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.”
Outgoing Chief Sir Richard Moore celebrated the milestone, stating, “I am absolutely delighted by this historic appointment of my colleague, Blaise Metreweli, to succeed me as ‘C’. Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology. I am excited to welcome her as the first female head of MI6.”
This appointment follows the precedent set by MI5, led by female directors-general Stella Rimington (1992–1996) and Eliza Manningham-Buller (2002–2007), and GCHQ, currently under Anne Keast-Butler since 2023.
As MI6 faces evolving challenges like cyber warfare and foreign espionage, Metreweli’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for the agency and the UK’s intelligence community.
