In brief
In a groundbreaking announcement, Blaise Metreweli has been appointed the new chief of MI6, breaking a 116-year tradition by becoming the first woman to lead Britain's foreign intelligence service.
In a historic move for MI6, Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the agency's first female chief, taking over the role this fall. Known officially as the Special Intelligence Service, MI6 has long been led by men since its formation in 1909. Metreweli, who has spent more than three decades within the agency, previously held the position of director general of technology and innovation, colloquially referred to as 'Q.' This title reflects her role in creating the advanced weaponry and gadgets often depicted in the James Bond films.As she steps into her new position as chief, Metreweli will succeed Richard Moore, who had served as a notably public figure within the intelligence community, engaging in both intelligence work and diplomatic endeavors. In contrast, Metreweli builds on a career deeply rooted in intelligence operations without a significant public profile.Having joined MI6 in 1999 after studying anthropology at Cambridge, Metreweli has held various operational roles in places across the Middle East and Europe. Her appointment was announced during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's journey to Canada for a G7 summit, and he hailed it as a "historic" moment, acknowledging the substantial responsibilities that will accompany Metreweli's role as head of one of the world's most powerful intelligence agencies.
