Meet Blaise Metreweli, the first woman chief of UK spy agency MI6

Time of India

16-06-2025

Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the new Chief of MI6, making history as the first woman to lead the UK's foreign intelligence agency. Succeeding Sir Richard Moore, she will oversee MI6's operations amidst growing global instability and cyber threats. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the vital role of intelligence services, supported by an additional £600 million in funding.
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All about Blaise Metreweli
Blaise Metreweli is Director General Technology and Innovation in MI6. She has previously held a Director-level roles in MI5.
She is a career intelligence officer, having joined the Service as a case officer in 1999.
She has undertaken a range of roles across the Service. She has spent most of her career in operational roles in the Middle East and Europe.
She studied Anthropology at Pembroke College, Cambridge.
In a historic move, the UK government has named Blaise Metreweli as the next Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service—MI6—marking the first time a woman will lead the country's foreign intelligence agency.Metreweli, currently Director General for Technology and Innovation at MI6 , will succeed Sir Richard Moore this autumn to become the 18th Chief in the agency's history. Commonly known as 'C,' the Chief is the only publicly named officer in MI6 and is accountable to the Foreign Secretary for overseeing all operational activities.Metreweli's appointment comes at a time of growing global instability, from increased cyber threats to escalating geopolitical tensions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the intelligence services have never been more vital.'The UK is facing threats on an unprecedented scale—from spy ships in our waters to cyberattacks aimed at public services,' said Starmer. 'Blaise will provide the leadership needed to defend our country and keep our people safe—the foundation of my Plan for Change.'Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who made the appointment, called Metreweli the ideal candidate to steer MI6 through emerging security challenges where 'technology is power.''Blaise brings a wealth of experience from across the national security community,' Lammy said. 'At a time when our adversaries are working ever more closely together, her leadership will be crucial in keeping Britain secure.'Outgoing MI6 Chief Sir Richard Moore praised her as 'one of our foremost thinkers on technology,' and said her appointment signals a new era for the agency.'I am absolutely delighted by this historic appointment. Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader. I am excited to see her lead the Service into the future.'Cabinet Secretary Christopher Wormald also welcomed the announcement, saying Metreweli would embody the values of MI6 and serve as a role model to its officers.Metreweli herself expressed pride in taking on the top role.'It's an honour to lead my Service. MI6, alongside MI5 and GCHQ, plays a vital role in keeping the British people safe and advancing the UK's interests overseas. I look forward to continuing this important mission with our brave officers, agents, and international partners.'The UK government has also announced an additional £600 million in funding for the intelligence community to meet future challenges.A career intelligence officer, Metreweli joined MI6 in 1999 and has served extensively in operational roles across the Middle East and Europe. She has also held a senior role in the domestic security agency MI5. She studied Anthropology at Pembroke College, Cambridge.