In a historic milestone, Blaise Metreweli, currently MI6’s director-general for technology and innovation, has been named as the first-ever female head of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service. The announcement came on June 15, ahead of the G7 summit in Canada, and marks a significant shift in the landscape of international intelligence leadership . Metreweli, aged 47, will officially assume the code-name “C” this autumn, succeeding Richard Moore, who has led the agency for five years.
Metreweli’s appointment follows a decades-long evolutionary path in British intelligence. MI5 has already been led by female directors—Stella Rimington (1992–1996) and Eliza Manningham‑Buller (2002–2007)—and GCHQ completed its glass ceiling in 2023 with Anne Keast‑Butler’s appointment. MI6, founded in 1909, has never before welcomed a female leader at its helm.
Metreweli’s rise reflects an extraordinary career trajectory. She joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999, has held key operational roles in the Middle East and Europe, and previously served in a senior capacity at MI5. She studied Anthropology at Cambridge. In her current “Q” role, she oversees MI6’s technology and innovation efforts—a modern counterpart to Ian Fleming’s fictional tech master.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the move “historic,” stating the appointment comes “when Britain is facing threats on an unprecedented scale”—from Russian spy vessels to cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure. Foreign Secretary David Lammy added that Metreweli’s leadership is essential amid rising global instability, especially concerning China, Russia, and Iran.
Metreweli expressed pride and humility, saying she’s “honored to be asked to lead my service” and looks forward to continuing MI6’s mission alongside “our brave officers … and international partners”.
