Blaise Metreweli Becomes First Woman to Lead British Spy Agency MI6

Monday 16 June 2025 - 09:02

By: Zahouani Ilham

Blaise Metreweli Becomes First Woman to Lead British Spy Agency MI6

In a landmark decision, Britain has appointed Blaise Metreweli as the new head of the Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, making her the first woman to lead the foreign intelligence agency since its creation in 1909. Metreweli, 47, has had a distinguished career in intelligence since joining MI6 in 1999. Currently serving as the agency’s head of technology nicknamed “Q” she will now take on the top role, succeeding Richard Moore, who will step down in the autumn after five years in charge.

Metreweli, who has held key operational positions across Europe and the Middle East, expressed her pride at being chosen to lead the organization. In her new role, she will be known by the traditional codename “C”.

Her appointment comes at a time of heightened global tension. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking from the G7 summit in Canada, emphasized that Britain faces threats of unprecedented scale and expressed confidence in Metreweli’s leadership.

Among the pressing challenges ahead are rising threats from Russia, China, and Iran. UK intelligence agencies have accused Russia of orchestrating sabotage campaigns across Europe, while China has been labeled the top concern by MI6. MI5, the domestic intelligence service, reported that Iran had planned multiple attacks targeting political dissidents in the UK since 2022.

Metreweli's promotion marks another milestone in the gradual inclusion of women in top intelligence roles. She previously held a senior position in MI5 and studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge. MI5 has had two female directors, and GCHQ, the UK’s cyber-intelligence agency, appointed its first female chief in 2023.

Her historic appointment comes nearly 30 years after actress Judi Dench famously portrayed a fictional female MI6 chief in the James Bond film GoldenEye.