Britain's MI6 spy agency names first female chief

Published: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 10:37 am

**MI6 Names First Female Chief in Historic Appointment**

London – In a landmark move, Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, has appointed its first female chief, marking a significant shift in the agency's 116-year history. Blaise Metreweli, currently the head of technology and innovation, will assume the role of "C," the only publicly-named position within MI6, succeeding Richard Moore who is retiring.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the appointment late Sunday, with Metreweli set to take up her new position in the autumn. Metreweli, 47, expressed her honor and pride in the appointment.

Metreweli is a career intelligence officer, having joined government service in 1999. She previously held director-level roles in MI5, MI6's domestic counterpart. Her career has been largely focused on the Middle East and Europe. As "Q," the agency's technology and innovation head, she was responsible for protecting the identities of British spies and developing methods to counter adversaries, including China's surveillance technologies.

This appointment comes at a time of heightened global challenges for the UK, with threats emanating from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, as well as non-state actors. Starmer highlighted the unprecedented scale of these threats, including espionage and cyberattacks.

BNN's Perspective: This appointment represents a positive step towards greater diversity and inclusion within the intelligence community. While the challenges facing MI6 are considerable, Metreweli's experience and background suggest she is well-equipped to lead the agency through these turbulent times. The focus on technology and innovation, particularly in the face of evolving threats, is crucial for maintaining the UK's national security.

Keywords: MI6, Secret Intelligence Service, Blaise Metreweli, C, first female chief, Richard Moore, Keir Starmer, intelligence, espionage, national security, Russia, China, technology, innovation, UK, United Kingdom

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