In a historic move, Blaise Metreweli has been named the first female chief of MI6, the British foreign intelligence service, signifying a transformative era in the agency's leadership.
MI6 Appoints Its First Female Chief, Blaise Metreweli
MI6 Appoints Its First Female Chief, Blaise Metreweli
Blaise Metreweli, a seasoned agent, becomes the first woman to lead MI6 in its 116-year history, marking a significant milestone.
Article Text:
In a groundbreaking announcement, the British government revealed on Sunday that Blaise Metreweli will take the helm of the Special Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, becoming the first woman to lead the agency in its 116 years of existence. This pivotal appointment highlights a significant moment in history as Metreweli steps into a role traditionally dominated by men.
Metreweli’s career within MI6 spans over three decades, and she most recently served as the director general of technology and innovation, colloquially referred to as 'Q'—a nod to the famous character in the James Bond films responsible for equipping the iconic spy with various high-tech gadgets. The transition will occur this fall, as she succeeds Richard Moore, who has held the position of chief since 2020.
The title of chief, historically denoted by the letter ‘C,’ originates from Mansfield Cumming, the first chief of MI6, who famously signed his correspondence with the letter. Traditionally, the head of MI6 remains the only named official within the secretive agency.
While Moore was known for being a notably public figure, bridging gaps between intelligence and diplomacy—including a stint as Britain’s ambassador to Turkey—Metreweli's background is rooted in intelligence work without much of a public presence. She began her career in MI6 in 1999 after earning a degree in anthropology from Cambridge University, undertaking significant operational roles across the Middle East and Europe.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer celebrated the historic appointment as Metreweli was on his way to a summit meeting of the Group of 7 leaders in Canada. He underscored the critical challenges ahead for the new chief of MI6, emphasizing the importance of her leadership during a transformative period for the agency. Metreweli’s appointment not only breaks the glass ceiling within MI6 but also sets a new trajectory for the future of the British intelligence community.
In a groundbreaking announcement, the British government revealed on Sunday that Blaise Metreweli will take the helm of the Special Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, becoming the first woman to lead the agency in its 116 years of existence. This pivotal appointment highlights a significant moment in history as Metreweli steps into a role traditionally dominated by men.
Metreweli’s career within MI6 spans over three decades, and she most recently served as the director general of technology and innovation, colloquially referred to as 'Q'—a nod to the famous character in the James Bond films responsible for equipping the iconic spy with various high-tech gadgets. The transition will occur this fall, as she succeeds Richard Moore, who has held the position of chief since 2020.
The title of chief, historically denoted by the letter ‘C,’ originates from Mansfield Cumming, the first chief of MI6, who famously signed his correspondence with the letter. Traditionally, the head of MI6 remains the only named official within the secretive agency.
While Moore was known for being a notably public figure, bridging gaps between intelligence and diplomacy—including a stint as Britain’s ambassador to Turkey—Metreweli's background is rooted in intelligence work without much of a public presence. She began her career in MI6 in 1999 after earning a degree in anthropology from Cambridge University, undertaking significant operational roles across the Middle East and Europe.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer celebrated the historic appointment as Metreweli was on his way to a summit meeting of the Group of 7 leaders in Canada. He underscored the critical challenges ahead for the new chief of MI6, emphasizing the importance of her leadership during a transformative period for the agency. Metreweli’s appointment not only breaks the glass ceiling within MI6 but also sets a new trajectory for the future of the British intelligence community.
