Historic MI6 Appointment: Blaise Metreweli Becomes First Woman Chief

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MI6, the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, has made history with the appointment of Blaise Metreweli as its next chief. She becomes the first woman to lead the foreign intelligence agency in its 116-year history, marking a significant moment for the organisation.

Metreweli, a seasoned intelligence officer with a distinguished career spanning over two decades, is set to take over from the current chief, Sir Richard Moore, in the autumn, specifically on September 30th. She will be the 18th individual to hold the top post, known traditionally by the codename ‘C’.

Who is Blaise Metreweli?

Blaise Metreweli joined MI6 in 1999 and has held a variety of senior positions across the UK’s security landscape, including roles within MI5 (the domestic security service) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Her career began as a case officer and agent runner at MI6, with over two decades spent in operational roles across the Middle East and Europe.

Her academic background in social anthropology from the University of Cambridge has informed her approach, emphasising the critical importance of understanding individuals and motivations in intelligence work. She has spoken about how this fascination with human behaviour is central to her job, which she views as focusing “from morning to night… where we can do our utmost to prevent harm.”

Before her historic appointment, Metreweli served as ‘Director General Q’ within MI6, heading the crucial technology and innovation division. This role is vital for protecting the identities of British agents and developing new methods to counter sophisticated adversarial surveillance capabilities, such as biometric tracking used by states like China. She was recently recognised for her contributions to British foreign policy, receiving the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2024 King’s overseas birthday honours list.

Speaking previously under the pseudonym “Director K” while at MI5, Metreweli highlighted the diverse nature of threats to UK national security. She stressed the focus on protecting government, secrets, individuals (including counter-assassination efforts), the economy, sensitive technology, and critical knowledge. She specifically noted that “Russian state activity” remains a threat and that China presents both “amazing opportunities and threats” due to its global impact.

Metreweli has also sought to challenge the often-stereotypical portrayals of spies in popular culture, particularly for women, stating that the reality of the job is far removed from fictional depictions.

The Significance of ‘C’

The chief of MI6 holds a unique public profile as the only member of the service whose identity is typically known to the public. This role is commonly referred to by the single letter ‘C’, a tradition dating back to the agency’s first head, Captain Mansfield Cumming, who signed documents with the initial. This tradition continues today, reportedly including the use of green ink for official correspondence.

Leading in a Dangerous World

Metreweli steps into leadership at a time of significant global instability. The service faces unprecedented and complex challenges emanating geographically from states like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which are increasingly cooperating to undermine UK and Western interests.

Outgoing chief Sir Richard Moore, along with CIA Director William Burns, recently warned that the international world is “under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War.” They highlighted ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian sabotage across Europe and identified the rise of China as the main intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the century.

Technological advancements also pose significant hurdles. While MI6 traditionally relies on recruiting human agents to gather secrets, rapid digital innovation and intelligence gathering from cyber sources and space require the service to adapt and accelerate its technological capabilities to stay ahead of adversaries.

Praise from Key Figures

The appointment has been widely praised. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called it “historic” at a time when the work of intelligence services is “never been more vital.” Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to whom the MI6 chief is accountable, described Metreweli as the “ideal” candidate, citing her wealth of experience and suitability to lead MI6 in tackling global instability and emerging threats. Lammy noted her understanding that “technology is power and our adversaries are working ever closer together.”

Sir Richard Moore expressed his “absolute delight” at the “historic appointment,” hailing Metreweli as a “highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology.” He had previously pledged in 2023 to work towards ensuring he was the last ‘C’ selected from an all-male shortlist, a promise now fulfilled.

Metreweli herself stated she was “proud and honoured” to be asked to lead the service, acknowledging MI6’s vital role alongside MI5 and GCHQ in national security and promoting UK interests overseas. She expressed eagerness to continue this work with her colleagues and international partners. Both the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary also paid tribute to Sir Richard Moore for his dedicated service and leadership.

As the new chief of MI6, Blaise Metreweli will play a critical role in shaping the UK’s response to evolving global threats, leveraging her extensive operational and technological expertise at a crucial juncture for national security.

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