First Woman to Lead MI6 in Intelligence Service’s History

In a historic first, Blaise Metreweli is poised to become the head of MI6, the UK’s foreign intelligence service, marking a significant shift in its 116-year history. This appointment underscores evolving security challenges and the need for innovative leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Groundbreaking Appointment

Metreweli, who joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999, will take over from Sir Richard Moore later this year. She is currently the Director General “Q,” responsible for technology and innovation within the service. Metreweli expressed pride and honor at the prospect of leading MI6.

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“MI6 plays a vital role – with MI5 and GCHQ – in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas.”

—Blaise Metreweli

Intelligence agencies worldwide are facing increasing cyber threats; a 2024 report indicates a 40% rise in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure (Cybersecurity Report 2024).

Challenges Ahead

MI6’s mandate is to gather foreign intelligence, focusing on countering terrorism, disrupting hostile states, and bolstering cybersecurity. Metreweli, 47, previously held director-level roles within MI5 and has extensive experience in the Middle East and Europe. The agency faces multifaceted challenges, including those from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

The outgoing chief, Sir Richard Moore, alongside then-CIA chief William Burns, warned that the international world was facing threats “in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War.” They view China’s rise as the principal intelligence and geopolitical challenge of this century.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, regards Metreweli as the perfect candidate to address “global instability and emerging security threats.” Sir Keir Starmer also thanked Sir Richard for his dedicated service and expressed confidence in Metreweli’s leadership.

A New Era

MI6 operates in an environment of rapid digital advancement. Its role includes recruiting human agents to obtain secrets from adversaries, including both hostile countries and non-state groups like al-Qaeda. Metreweli’s focus on innovation will be key as the agency adapts.

Metreweli received the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the King’s overseas and international birthday honors list in 2024, in recognition of her contributions to British foreign policy.

With Metreweli’s leadership, MI6 is poised to navigate an era marked by intricate global challenges and technological transformations.