In a groundbreaking decision, the United Kingdom has appointed Blaise Metreweli as the new chief of the MI6 Secret Intelligence Service, marking the first time a woman will lead the storied British spy agency. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the appointment on Sunday, calling it a crucial step in safeguarding national security amid evolving global threats.
Metreweli, currently serving as Director General for technology and innovation — a role internally dubbed “Q” — is set to assume her new post in the autumn, replacing outgoing MI6 head Richard Moore. Her promotion reflects the increasing focus on cyber and digital threats facing the intelligence community.
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Starmer praised the appointment as timely and vital, highlighting the range of modern dangers the UK confronts, including hostile espionage and cyberattacks aimed at disrupting public infrastructure. “The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale,” he stated in a press release from Downing Street.
Metreweli’s career spans more than two decades, with operational experience across the Middle East and Europe in both MI6 and domestic agency MI5. Her blend of field expertise and technical acumen positions her well for the challenges ahead in a digital age.
