London, July 30, 2025 — In a groundbreaking moment for British intelligence, Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the 18th Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), marking the first time a woman will lead the organization in its 116-year history.
Her appointment, effective October 1, 2025, was confirmed by the UK government and praised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it “a milestone at a time when the UK faces unprecedented global challenges.”
A Trailblazer in Tech and Intelligence
Metreweli currently heads MI6’s technology and innovation division, known internally as “Q”—a nod to the gadget-master in the James Bond universe. In this role, she has championed AI-driven surveillance tools, cyber intelligence advancements, and digital tradecraft that have become essential in countering global espionage threats.
She brings 25 years of service in British intelligence, including high-level roles in MI5 and operational deployments across the Middle East and Europe.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling in British Intelligence
While MI5 and GCHQ—the UK’s domestic and cyber intelligence agencies—have had female leaders before, MI6 had remained a male-led institution since its founding in 1909. Metreweli’s appointment shatters that precedent and sets a new tone for leadership in the intelligence community.
A Background Built for Modern Threats
Metreweli studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge, is fluent in Arabic, and is widely regarded for her ability to combine cultural intelligence with cutting-edge technology. Her work has significantly advanced MI6’s ability to counter emerging threats, including state-sponsored cyberattacks from adversaries like Russia and China.
In a statement, she said:
“I am proud and honored to lead my Service. MI6 plays a vital role in protecting the UK alongside MI5 and GCHQ. I look forward to guiding our people through the evolving landscape of global threats with the innovation and integrity that our mission demands.”
Endorsements Across the Board
Her predecessor, Sir Richard Moore, praised her as a “highly accomplished intelligence officer” and “a leading thinker in the application of technology to security.” Her peers describe her as strategic, forward-thinking, and deeply respected across both UK and allied agencies.
What This Means Going Forward
Metreweli’s leadership is expected to usher in a new era of modernization and inclusion at MI6. At a time when hybrid warfare, cyber espionage, and global instability are reshaping the geopolitical landscape, her appointment reflects a conscious pivot toward innovation and diversity in national security.
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