For the first time in its history, Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) will be led by a woman.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Blaise Metreweli will assume the role of Chief of MI6 in the fall, marking a historic moment for the UK’s foreign intelligence community.
Metreweli, a graduate of Oxford University, currently heads the agency’s technology and innovation teams, a role popularly recognized as “Q” in the James Bond film franchise. Though it was revealed in 2017 that the real-life “Q” was a woman, Metreweli’s identity was not disclosed at the time.
With a career spanning both domestic and international intelligence services, Metreweli is widely respected within British security circles. Her appointment comes at a time when technology and cyber threats are increasingly central to global espionage.
Prime Minister Starmer praised the decision, calling it “historic.”
“I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our country and keep our people safe,” he said in a statement.
Metreweli expressed her pride in taking the helm.
“I am proud and honored to be appointed as Chief of MI6. It will be a privilege to lead such dedicated public servants at a time of complex global challenges,” she said.
Metreweli’s rise is seen as both a symbolic and strategic shift for the agency, underscoring the growing importance of technological expertise in intelligence work. Her leadership will shape the UK’s approach to everything from counterterrorism and cyberwarfare to foreign influence operations and global threats.
She succeeds Richard Moore, who has served as Chief since 2020.
