In a landmark decision, the United Kingdom has appointed Blaise Metreweli as the new chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, MI6 — the first woman to hold the position in the agency’s 116-year history, the BBC’s Russian Service reports.

Metreweli will succeed Richard Moore, who has led MI6 for the past five years. The British government has officially confirmed her appointment.

A trailblazer in intelligence

At 47, Metreweli brings with her a distinguished career in intelligence and a strong academic background. A graduate of the University of Cambridge, where she studied social anthropology, she joined MI6 in 1999 and has since risen through the ranks.

Most of her career has been spent in the Middle East and Europe, operating in some of the world’s most complex geopolitical environments. She has also served in a leadership role at MI5 — the UK’s domestic intelligence service — though the nature of her work there remains classified.

Currently, Metreweli heads MI6’s Q Division, a cutting-edge technological and innovation unit responsible for advancing the agency’s digital capabilities.

In recognition of her service, she was awarded the Order of St Michael and St George in 2024.

An era of change

MI6, also known as the SIS, plays a critical role in gathering foreign intelligence, countering hostile state activities, and combating terrorism.  Metreweli's leadership marks a significant step for the agency as it evolves to face 21st-century security threats.

Outgoing chief Sir Richard Moore praised the appointment, calling it "historic."

“Blaise is a highly professional intelligence officer and leader. She is one of our finest minds in the field of technology,” said Moore.

Metreweli's appointment is being hailed as a progressive move reflecting growing recognition of women's leadership within the traditionally male-dominated world of international intelligence.

Blaise Florence Metreweli CMG is a British civil servant. She is Director General Technology and Innovation in MI6, scheduled to take over as Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service ("C") on 1 October 2025.  Metreweli will take over the role upon the retirement of Sir Richard Moore from the Secret Intelligence Service.

Blaise Florence Metreweli is of Georgian ancestry.  Her surname is a German spelling of the Georgian family name Metreveli.

She studied anthropology at Pembroke College, Cambridge.  In 1997 she was a member of the crew which won the Women's Boat Race.