Historic Appointment: Blaise Metreweli Becomes MI6's First Female Chief
In a groundbreaking move for the UK's intelligence community, Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the first female chief of MI6, marking a significant milestone in the agency's 116-year history. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced this historic appointment on Sunday as he arrived in Canada for the G7 summit. Metreweli, currently serving as the director of technology and innovation at the foreign intelligence agency, will take over from Richard Moore as MI6's 18th leader.
At 47 years old, Metreweli is a seasoned intelligence officer who has been with MI6 since 1999. A proud graduate of Cambridge University, she has predominantly worked in Europe and the Middle East, gaining extensive experience in various director-level roles within both MI6 and the domestic MI5 agency.
Expressing her feelings about the new role, Metreweli stated, "I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my service. MI6 plays a vital role, alongside MI5 and GCHQ, in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas. I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners."
Prime Minister Starmer underscored the historical significance of Metreweli's promotion, emphasizing that her appointment comes at a time when the work of the intelligence services is more critical than ever. He remarked, "The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale, whether from aggressors sending spy ships to our waters or from hackers attempting to disrupt our public services."
Also praising her capabilities was UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who described Metreweli as the ideal candidate to lead MI6 into the future. Lammy noted, "At a time of global instability and emerging security threats, where technology is power and our adversaries are working ever closer together, Blaise will ensure the UK can tackle these challenges head on to keep Britain safe and secure at home and abroad."
Metreweli's ascension to the top role in MI6 completes the transition for British intelligence agencies to have female leaders at the helm. Notably, MI6 is the last of the British intelligence agencies to appoint a woman in a leadership position, following the appointments of Stella Rimington and Eliza Manningham-Buller at MI5 and Anne Keast-Butler at GCHQ earlier in 2023.
The outgoing head of MI6, Richard Moore, made it a point during his tenure to enhance the diversity of the agency, stating in 2023 that he aimed to ensure he would be the last 'C' selected from an all-male shortlist, shedding light on the importance of inclusivity within intelligence services.
As Blaise Metreweli prepares to take on her new responsibilities, the UK intelligence community watches closely, eagerly anticipating how her leadership will shape the future of MI6 amidst the evolving landscape of global threats and challenges.
Related Sources: