For the first time in its 116-year history, the UK’s foreign intelligence service, MI6, will be headed by a woman. Blaise Metreweli, a senior British intelligence officer with over 25 years of experience, is set to take over from Sir Richard Moore later in 2025.
She will become the 18th Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6. Ms Metreweli currently serves as Director General “Q,” the department responsible for advancing the service’s technological edge and protecting the identities of operatives. This includes innovating methods to evade surveillance by countries like China, which use advanced biometric tools.
Ms Metreweli joined MI6 in 1999. She described her appointment as a great honour and a chance to deepen the agency’s core mission.
“I am proud and honoured to have been asked to lead,” she said. “I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners.”
A Background in Security and Global Affairs
Before becoming Director General “Q,” Ms Metreweli held leadership positions in MI5, the UK’s domestic intelligence agency. She studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge and has worked extensively in the Middle East and Europe.
In 2024, she received the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for her contributions to British foreign policy. In a rare public interview in 2021, when she operated under the alias “Director K” at MI5, she spoke about the wide range of security threats facing the UK.
“The threats we are looking at primarily exist around protecting government, protecting secrets, protecting our people—so counter-assassination—protecting our economy, sensitive technology and critical knowledge,” she said.
She also warned about growing threats from hostile state actors. “Russian state activity—not Russia itself—remains a threat,” she said.
She described China’s global influence as both an opportunity and a challenge, saying “China is changing the way the world is and that presents amazing opportunities and threats for the UK.”
What It Means to Be ‘C’ and the Challenges Ahead
The head of MI6 is referred to as “C,” a tradition started by the agency’s first chief, Captain Mansfield Cumming. He used to sign documents with the letter “C” in green ink, a practice still maintained by current chiefs.
While the popular idea of “C” issuing licences to kill may be shaped by fiction, such authorisations do exist but go through a detailed legal process. Only the foreign secretary can approve these under Section 7 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994, and they apply only to operations that would otherwise be illegal under British law.
As head of MI6, Metreweli will report directly to the foreign secretary and sit on the Joint Intelligence Committee. She will be responsible for collecting intelligence from overseas sources, analysing global threats, and advising the prime minister.
The organisation faces increasing pressure from both state and non-state actors. Countries like Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea are believed to be working together more closely to destabilise Western governments. Non-state threats, including terrorism from groups such as al-Qaeda, remain a concern.
Technological advancement is also changing the face of intelligence. Much of the information that used to be gathered by human spies is now available through digital and satellite surveillance. MI6 must now adapt and innovate to stay ahead of these changes while remaining relevant.
Government and Intelligence Leaders Welcome the Appointment
Sir Richard Moore, who is stepping down after five years, said he was thrilled by Metreweli’s appointment.
“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,” he said.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Metreweli as the “ideal candidate” to lead the organisation at a time of “global instability and emerging security threats.” He also praised Sir Richard Moore for his leadership and contributions to national security.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the moment was historic. “The work of our intelligence services has never been more vital,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in Metreweli’s ability to protect the UK and steer MI6 through future challenges. “I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our country and keep our people safe,” he added.
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