British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the appointment of Blaise Metreweli as the head of the UK’s foreign intelligence service, MI6. She will be the 18th chief of the British secret agency and the first woman to hold this position.
47-year-old Blaise Metreweli has been part of MI6 since 1999 and is currently leading the agency’s technology and innovation division known as the “Q Section.” She studied sociology at Cambridge University and has been involved in covert operations in the Middle East and Europe. She has also held various positions in the UK’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5.
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On her nomination, Blaise Metreweli said that she felt proud and honored to be given the opportunity to lead the service. “Working together with MI5 and GCHQ, MI6 plays a crucial role in keeping the British public safe and advancing the country’s interests abroad,” she said.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the appointment comes at a time when the UK is facing unprecedented threats such as enemy state spy ships and cyberattacks.
Former chief Sir Richard Moore, who took office in 2020, is stepping down after nearly five years in the role. He also previously served as the UK ambassador to Turkey in his diplomatic career.
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Notably, women have previously led MI5 and GCHQ, but this is the first time in MI6’s history. Some commentators have described the appointment as “art imitating life,” referencing the character of “M,” James Bond’s boss, famously portrayed by Judi Dench in the films.
Her current role is heading MI6’s Q Branch — the same “Q” depicted in James Bond films as the expert providing new technology.
