MI6 Appoints Blaise Metreweli as First Female “C” in 116-Year History
London, June 16, 2025 – In an unprecedented move, Britain has named Blaise Metreweli as the next head of its foreign intelligence service, MI6. Set to assume the role of “C” this autumn, she becomes the first woman to lead the agency since its founding in 1909 [oai_citation:0‡the-independent.com](https://www.the-independent.com/news/richard-moore-mi6-gchq-james-bond-london-b2717201.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:1‡apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/30702495d2484ad3bdc7ab5e34d372ed?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
🔍 A Historic Breakthrough
Announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of the G7 summit, Metreweli’s appointment signals a significant shift in the traditionally male-dominated world of espionage. Starmer hailed the decision as “historic” amid escalating global threats, including cyberattacks and foreign influence campaigns .
🛡️ From "Q" to "C"
Metreweli, 47, is currently MI6’s director of technology and innovation—a role often likened to the fictional “Q” from James Bond lore . With a career spanning over 25 years in intelligence since 1999, her expertise spans both operational work in the Middle East and Europe, and cutting-edge tech development [oai_citation:2‡ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/b12e7a28-7693-4173-a8d4-ee0e2203b558?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
🎓 Background & Skills
An alumna of Cambridge University with a degree in anthropology, Metreweli also brings fluency in Arabic and strong field experience . Her blend of technical acumen and international operational knowledge positions her well to lead the agency into a new era.
🧭 A Changing Culture
This appointment reflects MI6’s ongoing push for diversity and modernization. Under outgoing chief Richard Moore—who explicitly voiced his wish to see a female successor—the agency broadened its recruitment beyond elite institutions and promoted women into senior technology and counterintelligence roles [oai_citation:3‡telegraph.co.uk](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/04/02/mi6-mi5-richard-moore-all-male-shortlists-secret-service/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
🌐 Pressure Points Ahead
Metreweli takes charge at a critical time. UK officials highlight multiple security challenges—from Chinese spy ships near UK waters to Russian cyber threats and geopolitical instability in the Middle East . Her tech background will be crucial in adapting MI6 to counter evolving digital threats.
📡 Aligning with Sister Agencies
Her promotion brings MI6 in line with sister intelligence services: MI5 has already seen female leadership, and GCHQ appointed its first female director in 2023 [oai_citation:4‡ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/b12e7a28-7693-4173-a8d4-ee0e2203b558?utm_source=chatgpt.com). This change cements the broader transformation within the UK’s national security community.
👤 Words from the Ministry
Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the pick as “vital for national and international security,” emphasizing that Metreweli’s skills in espionage and technology will help tackle modern threats [oai_citation:5‡bild.de](https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland-und-internationales/wie-frueher-bei-james-bond-erste-frau-an-der-spitze-des-mi6-684f4a928858611e27644421?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Metreweli herself said she felt “proud and honoured to be asked to lead my service” [oai_citation:6‡apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/30702495d2484ad3bdc7ab5e34d372ed?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
📈 What It Symbolizes
Blaise Metreweli’s appointment symbolizes more than just a milestone—it represents a bold cultural shift. For the first time, MI6 will be led by a woman, underscoring efforts to shatter the "glass ceiling" within British intelligence . Her leadership marks a turning point in the secretive organization’s evolution.
🔮 Looking Ahead
Metreweli will officially step into her role this autumn, taking over from Sir Richard Moore, who led MI6 for five years . As she takes charge, all eyes will be on how she steers the agency through an era defined by cyber warfare and geopolitical complexity.
Tags: MI6 female chief, Blaise Metreweli, first woman C, UK intelligence, Keir Starmer, global security, diversity in MI6
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